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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 



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UNITED STATES OF AMEKICA, 



The Helping Hand: 



2t Jflanucti of Instruction 



FOR THE 



I • 1 • O* V_> • C« 






By W, W. DOWLING, 

AUTHOR OF 

"The Bible Hand-Booh'' "The Guide Book," "The Christian Psalter," Etc. 
Editor of "Our Young Folks." 



"Whereby, when ye Read ye may Understand my Knowledge in the 
Mystery of Christ."— Eph. 3: 4. 



A 



P**c 









ST. LOUIS: 

CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING COMPANY. 

1891. 










Copyrighted, 1891, 



BY 



Christian Publishing Company, 



LC Control Number 




tmp96 027674 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



I. THE Y. P. S. C. E. MOVEMENT, 



People 



The Name : 


1. 


The Young P 


2. 


A Society 


3. 


Christian 


4. 


Endeavor 


The Nature : 


1. 


Negatively 


2. 


Affirmatively 


3. 


Good Eesults 



II, 



III. The Object: 

1. To Evangelize .... 

2. To Build Up . 

3. To Set to Work .... 

IV. The History: 

1. The Rise .... 

2. The Growth .... 

3. The Outlook .... 

II. THE Y. P. S. C. E. ORGANISM. 

I. The Organization: 

1. 
2. 



The Way to Begin 
The Government 



II. The Membership: 

1. Active Members 

2. Associate Members 

3. Affiliated Members 

4. Junior Members 

III. The Officiary: 

1. The President 

2. The Vice-President . 

3. The Corresponding Secretary 

4. The Recording Secretary 

5. The Treasurer 

6. The Librarian 

7. The Junior Officers 

(3) 



10 
10 

10 



11 
11 
11 



12 
12 
14 



14 
15 



15 
16 
16 
17 



17 

18 
18 
18 
18 
18 
18 



CONTENTS. 



IV. The Committees : 

/. The Begular. 

1. The Lookout Committee 

2. The Prayer-Meeting Committee 

3. The Social Committee 

4. The Executive Committee 

5. The Junior Committees 

II. The Special. 

1. The Sunday-School Committee 

2. The Calling Committee 

3. The Music Committee 

4. The Missionary Committee 

5. The Flower Committee. 

6. The Temperance Committee 

7. The Relief Committee 

8. The Good Literature Committee 
Work of Chairmen . . . 



19 
20 
21 
21 
22 

22 
22 
23 
23 
23 
24 
24 
24 
25 



III. THE Y. P. S. C. E. MEETINGS. 



I. The Prayer-Meeting: 

1. The Pledge 

2. The Order of Service 

3. The Topic 

4. The Leader 

5. The Chorister 

6. The Organist 

7. The Music 

8. The Membership 

II. The Consecration Service: 

1. Time of The Meeting 

2. The Leader 

3. The Roll-Call 

4. The Absentees 

5. Associate Members . 

III. Special Services : 

1. The Temperance Service 

2. The Missionary Service 

3. Bible Reading Service 

4. Song-Service . 

5. Other Forms 

IV. Junior Meetings : 



1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 



Devotions 
Instruction 
Business 
The Topic 
The Leader 



26 
26 

27 
27 
28 
28 
28 
28 

30 

30 
30 
30 
30 

31 
31 
31 
31 
32 



33 
33 
33 
33 
33 







CONTENTS, 


V. 


Business Meetings : 




1. 


The Regular 




2. 


The Election 




3. 


The Special 




4. 


The Executive 




5. 


The Committees 


VI. 


Social Meetings: 




1. 


The Object 




2. 


The Entertainment 


VII. 


Literary and Musical: 




1. 


Concert Services 




2. 


Musical Concerts 




3. 


Lectures 


VIIJ 


[. Anniversaries: 




1. 


Endeavor Day 




2. 


Easter 




3. 


Fourth-of-July 




4. 


Thanksgiving 




5. 


Christmas 





34 




. 35 


, 


35 




. 35 


• 


35 




. 36 


• 


36 




. 37 


# 


37 




. 37 




38 




. 38 


, 


38 




. 38 


# 


39 



IV. THE Y. P. S. C. E. FRATERNITY. 



1. The Government 

2. Essential Features 


. 39 
39 


II. Local Unions: 




1. The Object 

2. The Government 

3. The Meetings 


. 40 

40 

. 40 


III. State Associations : 




1. The Object 

2. The Advantages 

3. The Officiary 

4. The Convention 


41 
. 41 

41 
. 41 


IV. The United Society : 




1. What it is Not 

2. What It Does 


42 
.43 



V. Y. P. S. C. E. REQUISITES, 

I. For the Membership : 

1. For General Study 

2. For Endeavor Work 



44 
44 



CONTENTS. 



II. For the Officials : 

1. The President 

2. The Corresponding Secretary 

3. The Eecording Secretary 

4. The Treasurer 

5. The Librarian 

6. The Committees 

7. The Superintendent 

III. For the Society : 

1. Topic-Cards 

2. The Christian Psalter 

3. Song-Books 

4. Our Young Folks 

5. The Library . 



E. FORMULAE. 



VI. THE Y. P. S. C. 

I. The Local Society : 

Constitution 
By-Laws 

II. The Junior Society: 

Constitution 
By-Laws 

III. The Local Union : 
Constitution 

IV. The State Association : 

Constitution 

V. Covenants: 

1. Application for Membership 

2. Associate Membership Pledge 

3. Junior Membership Pledge 

4. Active Membership Pledge 

VI. Invitations: 

1. To the Church Service 

2. To tlie Y. P. S. C. E. Prayer-Meeting 

3. To the Sunday-School (1) . 

4. To the Sunday-school (2) 

5. To the Social .... 

VII. Eeminders: 

1. To a Non-Participant 

2. To an Absentee 

VIII. Commendation: 

1. For a Traveling Member 

2. For a Retiring Member 



45 
45 
45 
46 
46 
46 
46 



46 
47 
47 
47 
47 



48 
52 

55 
57 

58 

59 



60 
61 
61 
61 



62 
63 
63 
63 
64 

64 
65 



66 
66 



PEEFATORY. 



The Helping Hand is most cordially extended to all who may 
in anywise need its aid, in their earnest endeavors to do the 
work of the Master whereunto they have been called. With its 
index-finger it has aimed to point out some of the tasks that are 
waiting to be performed in the special field in which Our Young 
People are called to labor ; and with the strength which experi- 
ence and exercise have developed, to help them to remove the 
difficulties in the way of their progress, to assist them over hard 
places, and to guide them into the open doors of usefulness that 
are everywhere placed before them. 

May the blessings of our Divine Leader attend The Helping 
Hand, and make it helpful in hastening the blessed time when 
every Congregation of Believers shall have, yea, shall itself be, 
a Society of Christian Endeavor, with every member active, true 
to the Pledge, and faithful to the Motto ! 

When this shall have come to pass, that brighter day spoken of 
by the prophet, will soon dawn, "when they shall teach no more 
every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 
'Know the Lord/ for they shall all know him, from the least of 
them unto the greatest." w 

St. Louis, Mo., 1891. 

(?) 



Pro Christo et Ecclesia. 



For Christ, the Anointed, who for us 

Himself did freely give, 
And for the Church he purchased thus, 

We covenant to live. 

To Christ who made the sacrifice, 

So infinitely great, 
And to the Church he loved, likewise, 
Ourselves we dedicate. 



The Helping Hand 



i. 

THE Y. P. S. C. E. MOVEMENT. 



I. THE NAME. 
"In the name of our God we will set up our Banners."— Psa. 20: S. 
The talismanic letters, "Y. P. S. C. E. " stand for "The Young 



& 



People's Society of Christian Endeavor/' the name applied to the 
most powerful and successful movement of the century for reach- 
ing the young, and enlisting them in Christian work. 

1.. The Young People. — As the name imports, it is a move- 
ment chiefly for, by, and among, the young people, though people 
of all ages are found in its membership, while all classes have 
been benefited by its influences, either direct or reflex. 

2. A Society. — The movement is not an individual effort, or 
a mob, but a well organized Society, with clearly defined and 
well-understood objects, plans of procedure and methods of 
work. 

3. Christian. — As the name further implies, the Society is 
distinctly Christian — devoted to Christ and his teachings, with 
each individual member pledged to daily read his Word to know 
his will, and to try to please him in all things. Furthermore, the 
Society is not sectarian in spirit, but catholic; and not denomina- 
tional, further than that each individual local Society is pledged 
to be loyal to the particular local church, or congregation, with 
which it is connected, and under the general direction and super- 
vision of whose officiary it operates. 

4. Endeavor.— This Young People's Christian Society is 
emphatically one of Endeavor: "of labor directed to some specific 

(9) 



10 THE HELPING HAND. 

end." It is not a Society for pleasure or amusement, or for 
literary or social culture, though it has all these features ; but it is 
ior earnest, consecrated, self-sacrificing work in the service of 
the Master. 

Our Watchword. 

"Christian Endeavor!" This our watchword shall be, 

"Christian Endeavor! " Till from service set free ; 

Armed with the strength of youth and purpose true, 

Always and everywhere, Christ's work to do. 



II. THE NATURE. 

"We are laborers together with God."— I Cor. 3:9. 

It is most important to have in the beginning very clear ideas 
as to what the Y. P. S. C. E. is, and its relation to other agencies 
ior doing the Lord's work. 

1. Negatively. — It is not an organization independent of, 
and separate and apart from, the Church, as some seem to think 
and others to fear. 

2. Affirmatively. — It is, in the language of Dr. Clark, its 
founder, "The Church itself at work for the young, and the 
young at work for, in and with, the Church." The motto of the 
Society is, "For Christ and the Church," and each Society is con- 
nected with some individual local church, and its efforts are to be 
directed to her upbuilding. 

3. Good Results. — In every church and community where a 
Society has been organized and properly conducted, good results 
have followed. Among the many worthy objects that it accom- 
plishes may be cited the following : 

1. It gives young Christians something to do in the Lord's 
work at once. 

2. It accustoms them to the sound of their own voices in the 
prayer-meeting. 

3. It causes them to understand that they each have a part to 
perform in the activities of the Church, as well as the oldest 
Christian. 

4. It rills up the Sunday-school, by sending these young 
Christian soldiers out as recruiting officers among those who 
otherwise might not be reached. 



THE HELPING HAND. 11 

5. It helps along in that most desirable work of keeping the 
young folks in the Sunday-school, by giving them something to 
do, and assists them to do it successfully. 

6. It makes the younger members of the Church prompt and 
faithful in their attendance upon public worship, prepares them 
for a part in the general prayer-meeting service, and helps to 
make them the pastor's most efficient and trusted helpers. 

Work for Jesus. 
What a work to do for Jesus ! 

Work for heart and hand and brain: 
Sowing, aye, beside all waters, 

Precious seeds of golden grain! 



III. THE OBJECT. 

"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edify- 
ing of the Body of Christ. "—Mph. 4: 12. 

The great object, mission, or work of the Y. P. S. C. E. is, 

1. To Evangelize. — Its purpose is to reach the young, espe- 
cially those who are not Christians, and interest them in the read- 
ing of the Bible and the preaching of the Gospel, and finally to 
bring them to Christ and into the Church. 

2. To Build Up. — It seeks by a systematic study of the Scrip- 
tures, in the Sunday-school, by Daily Readings on the special 
Society Prayer-Meeting Topics, by the circulation of good litera- 
ture among the young, and by encouraging them to a faithful 
attendance on, and participation in, all the regular meetings of 
the Church, to fully establish them in the truth, and to promote 
their growth in grace and in knowledge. 

3. To Set to Work. — Its aim is to make the young people not 
only loyal and intelligent Disciples of Christ, but also imitators 
of Andrew, who, after he had himself found the Saviour, imme- 
diately went out and found his brother, Simon, and "brought him 
to Jesus" also ; to engage them in active Christian work, in bring- 
ing pupils into the Sunday-school ; by inviting strangers to the 
Lord's house ; by distributing tracts and other good literature ; 
by visiting the sick, and going on other errands of mercy ; and 
in brief, doing all they can to make the world wiser, happier 



12 THE HELPING HAND. 

and better, and hastening the day "when all shall know the 
Lord from the least unto the greatest." 

Redeeming" Work. 

Delightful work, young souls to win, 

And turn the rising race, 
From the deceitful ways of sin, 

To seek redeeming grace. 



IV. THE HISTORY. 

"First the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear."— Mark 4: 28. 

It is important that all Christian Endeavorers should be familiar 
with the facts pertaining to the rise and progress of the great 
movement that is engaging the best energies of many of the Lord's 
most noble and earnest servants, and doing so much for Christ 
and the Church. 

1. The Rise. — This particular organized form of Church 
activity is yet comparatively in its infancy, and began within the 
memory of almost its youngest member, 

(1) The First Society .—The first Y. P. S. C. E. was organized 
Feb. 2, 1881, in Portland, Maine, at the house of Dr. Francis E. 
Clark, the Pastor of the Williston Church, at his suggestion, and 
under his direction and supervision. The constitution there and 
then adopted was essentially the same as that under which nearly 
all Societies of Christian Endeavor since formed have operated. 

(2) The First Member. — The -first person to sign the constitu- 
tion was Mr. W. H. Pennell, a teacher in the Williston Sunday- 
school, who had at the time under his instruction a large class of 
young men. Nearly all the young people of the church to which 
Dr. Clark ministered became members, and the first Society was 
a success from the beginning. 

(3) The First Beport. — The first report of this experiment 
given to the public was contained in an article written by the 
founder, and published in The Congregationalist, of Boston, in 
August, 1881, entitled, "How One Church Cares for Its Young 
People." 

2. The Growth. — The article referred to, and others which 
followed from the same source, brought to their author letters 



THE HELPING HAND. 13 

from pastors and Christian workers in all parts of the country. 
In the language of Dr. Clark: "First they came singly, then in 
pairs, and then in scores, keeping on daily, in constantly increas- 
ing numbers. Wherever one winged seed of information was 
wafted, it usually struck and took root, and a little Christian 
Endeavor plant was the result." 

(1) The First Convention. — One of the first developments of 
the new movement was in the line of Annual Conventions. Those 
interested met to consult as to the best method of carrying on 
the work. The first of these conferences was held June 2, 1882, 
in the Williston Church, Portland, Me. At that time but six 
Societies were known to be in existence, five of which were rep- 
resented by delegates at the Convention. 

(2) The Second Convention. — The next annual conference was 
held in another church in the same city, June 7, 1883, at which 
fifty-three societies were reported, many of which were repre- 
sented by delegates. 

(3) The Convention at Lowell. — The next convention was held 
in Lowell, Mass., October 22 and 23, 1884. One hundred and 
fifty delegates were in attendance, and the number of societies 
at the time had grown to one hundred and fifty-one. 

(4) The Ocean Park Convention. — The next Convention was 
held at Ocean Park, near Old Orchard Beach, Me., July 9th and 
10th, 1885. The number of local societies had then grown to two 
hundred and fifty-three, some of which were in foreign lands. 
At this Convention the "United Society" was founded, and a 
general secretary and other officers elected, and regular head- 
quarters established at Boston. 

(5) The Saratoga Convention. — In the summer of 1887 the 
National Convention met at Saratoga, N. Y., at which Dr. Fran- 
cis E. Clark was elected President of the United Society, and 
Editor of the Endeavor literature, which position he has up to the 
present time (1891) most ably filled. 

(6) Other Conventions. — Other General Conventions have fol- 
lowed annually, each surpassing the former in point of attend- 
ance, enthusiasm and helpfulness, until these Conventions have 
become the largest assemblies of devoted Christian workers the 
world has ever seen. 



14 THE HELPING HAND. 

3. The Outlook. — Thus the great work moves grandly on; 
the roll of Societies is rapidly lengthening, and now the number 
of members is well up in the hundreds of thousands. They are 
found among all Protestant religious bodies in our own country, 
while the vigorous plant is rapidly taking root on foreign shores. 
The host of Young Ehdeavorers, so to speak, form a well-disci- 
plined army of Christian soldiers, keeping step, and marching 
forward under their glorious banner on which is inscribed, ' 'Pro 
Christo et Ecclesia," to assist in the conquest of the world. 

The Endeavor Army. 
We see their spreading watchfires glow throughout the land ; 
The flame upon their altars with heavenly breezes fanned, 
And with Gospel banner waving, a consecrated band, 
They still go marching on. 



II. 

THE Y. P. S. C. E. ORGANISM. 



I. THE ORGANIZATION. 

"That thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting."— Titus 1 :5. 

There ought to be a Young People's Society of Christian 
Endeavor in every Church in which there are any considerable 
numbers of young people. In this work the pastor and other 
church-officials should take the lead. Without their hearty 
approval and cooperation the work will not be successful. 

1. The Way to Begin. — Call a meeting of the younger mem- 
bers of the Church, and pray and talk over the matter. Give the 
origin and history of the movement, as contained in the forego- 
ing pages of this book ; the good it has accomplished in other 
places, and point out the need of such a work of grace in your 
own community as a good Y. P. S. C. E. is capable of doing. 
Explain the Essential Features of the Organization, as hereafter 
given, and the pledge that is required of members, to be found 
further on in this Manual. Eecord the names of all who are will- 



THE HELPIXG HAND. 15 

ing to become members, and your first steps, and in some meas- 
ure the most important ones, have been taken. Dr. Clark's 
admonition is, "not to be too anxious for numbers; to think 
more of the quality than of the quantity, as half-a-score of those 
who are earnest and consecrated are worth more in this work 
than ten-score of half-hearted ones." 

2. The Government.— The Y. P. S. C. E. is an orderly body, 
working after carefully prepared plans ; and to preserve uni- 
formity it is important that all Societies have essentially the same 
form of government. Therefore the United Society has prepared 
what is known as "The Model Constitution and By-Laws," and 
earnestly recommends all local Societies to adopt them, so far as 
it is consistent with their local circumstances and surroundings. 
They will be found in full in another department of this work. 

(1) The Constitution. — The Constitution defines the objects of 
the Society ; the classes and conditions of membership ; the lists 
of officers and regular committees, with their duties, and pre- 
scribes rules for the conduct of the prayer and business meetings. 

(2) The By-Laws.- -The By-Laws regulate the times and places 
of meetings ; the manner of electing officers and admitting new 
members ; provide for various special committees, and prescribe 
their duties, and arrange various other things needful for the 
success of the local organization. 

Orderly Work. 
God's gracious work demands 

Our constant thought and care ; 
The skillful labor of our hands, 

And our united prayer. 



II. THE MEMBERSHIP. 

"He gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work."— Mark 13:34. 

The better to carry out the grand object of the Society and 
make its influence for good as extensive as possible, different 
classes of members are recognized and provided for. 

1. Active Members. — The Active Membership is composed of 
active young Christians who have boldly pledged themselves, 
either directly or indirectly, to the performance of the following 
duties : 



16 THE HELPING HAND. 

1. To try in all things and at all times to please their Great 
Leader, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

2. To pray and to read the Bible every day, that they may 
know the will of the Heavenly Father. 

3. To support to the best of their ability the particular Church 
with which their Society is connected, and do what they can to 
promote its prosperity. 

4. To attend regularly both the Sunday and the mid-week 
services of the Church, and do what they can to influence others 
to attend. 

5. To attend regularly and promptly the prayer-meetings of 
the Society, and to take some active part, aside from singing, in 
every meeting. 

6. To absent themselves from no regular meeting of the 
Church or of the Society without some reason they can conscien- 
tiously give to the Saviour for their absence. 

7. To be, like the Heavenly Father, "no respecter of persons ;" 
but treat the rich and the poor, the high and the low, just alike. 

8. To be, like the Master, the Lord Jesus, always on the look- 
out for an opportunity to help some one who needs help ; and, 
like him, to be continually "going about doing good." 

9. Finally, and to sum it all up in few words, to earnestly 
endeavor to be Christians, Disciples of Christ, in deed and in 
truth. 

2. Associate Members.— The Associate Members are young 
people who, while not prepared to avow themselves active Chris- 
tians, are willing to put themselves under Christian influence. 
They pledge themselves to attend the weekly prayer-meetings 
and do what they can to advance the interests of the Society, but 
are not required to take any active part in the service. Every 
good influence should be kept around such members, and every 
effort made to bring them to Christ. 

3. Affiliated Members.— There are two classes of Affiliated 
or Honorary Members recognized in the Constitution : 

1. Christians of any age, who may feel an interest in the 
objects of the Society, but who cannot assume the duties of active 
membership. 

2. The pastor of the Church, and other official members, 



THE HELPING HAND. 17 

together with the Superintendent of the Sunday-school and his 
assistants. 

4. Junior Members. — The Junior Membership are the boys 
and girls who are anxious "to be about their Father's business,' 7 
but who are not quite ready to take their places among the regu- 
lar Active Members. They pledge themselves to read the Bible 
and pray daily ; to attend the meetings of the Society regularly, 
and to try to do right in all things. They are usually organized 
as a separate Society, with their own officers ; but the better way 
is to consider them members of the one regular Society, and 
arrange for separate meetings, under the direction of some one 
of the older members. 

Work for All. 

To the work, to the work! we are servants of God; 

Let us follow the path that the Master has trod ; 

With the balm of his counsel our strength to renew, 

Let us do with our might what our hands find to do. 



III. THE OFFICIARY. 

"Taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint but willingly."— I Pet. 3:2. 

As in all similar organizations, but perhaps more so in the Y. 
P. S. C. E. than in most others, much depends on the character 
and efficiency of those chosen to official positions. The officers 
are all to be taken from the list of Active Members, and should 
be selected with special reference to their fitness, and not merely 
to honor this or that worthy person. The officials provided for 
in the Constitution are as follows : 

1. The President.— Either a lady or a gentleman may be 
elected to this position. It is the most important office in the 
Society, the duties of which are manifold. The more important 
ones may be summarized as follows : 

1. To preside at all regular and special meetings of the Society, 
and of the Executive Committee. 

2. To represent the Society in the official meetings of the 
Church, and in Local Unions. 

3. To confer with and advise the Chairmen of the various 
committees in reference to their work. 

2 



18 THE HELPING HAND. 

4. To watch over all the interests of the Society, and to pray 
earnestly and work faithfully for its spiritual good and upbuilding. 

2. The Vice-President. — This is an important office, like- 
wise. The incumbent is not only to discharge all the duties of 
the President, in the absence or inability of that officer, but 
should, also, assist him in the general work of supervising the 
affairs and operations of the Society, taking such particular parts 
as may be agreed upon between the two. 

3. The Corresponding Secretary.— This officer is to conduct 
the general correspondence of the Society, acting as the medium 
of communication between it and other similar organizations and 
between it and Local Unions, State Unions and the United 
Society. 

4. The Recording Secretary. — This officer should be neat 
and exact in business habits, having for a motto, "Let all things 
be done decently, and in order. " The specific duties are to keep 
a record of the members ; correspond with absent members, and 
inform them of their standing ; keep the minutes of all business 
meetings, and notify all persons elected to office. 

5. The Treasurer. — Although the Y. P. S. C. E. gives no 
very special attention to financial concerns, yet, in common with 
all organizations, it must have funds to meet its current expenses, 
and carry on its missionary work, and it must have these funds 
properly cared for. It is the Treasurer's duty to receive and 
safely keep all funds belonging to the Society, and pay out the 
same only as directed in the Constitution. 

6. The Librarian. — Every Society, as soon as possible, 
should begin the formation of a library of such books and period- 
icals as will help them in their study of the Bible ; promote their 
growth in grace and knowledge, and instruct them in their spe- 
cial work. A Librarian is therefore necessary, whose duty it is 
to care for the books already in the Society's possession, give 
out the same as may be provided in the By-Laws, and try to 
devise ways and means for adding new books from time to time. 

7. The Junior Officers. — The Junior membership, whether a 
separate Society or a Band or Class of the one Society, should be 
under the care of a Superintendent and an Assistant, appointed 
by the Pastor or the Executive Board, or elected as other officers ; 



THE HELPING HAND. 19 

and a Secretary and Treasurer, nominated by the Superintend- 
ent, and elected by their own membership, with such duties as 
are usually discharged by such officers in other Societies. 

The Chief Servants. 
How great their work! How vast the charge! 
Do thou, O Lord, their souls enlarge! 
Their best endowments are our gain ; 
We share the blessings they obtain. 



IV. THE COMMITTEES. 

"They watch for your souls, as they that must give account."— Heb. 3:17. 

In the Y. P. S. C. E. much depends upon the Committees. 
They may be considered under two classes : the Regular and the 
Special. 

i. The Regular. — The Regular Committees are those pro- 
vided for in the Constitution, and without which no Society can 
well exist. They are the Lookout, the Prayer-Meeting, the 
Social and the Executive. Each of these, except the last, is usually 
composed of five members, one of whom is elected Chairman, 
and another Secretary, to keep the minutes of the Committee's 
proceedings. 

1. The Lookout Committee. — No Committee is more import- 
ant than this, as the success or failure of the Society may largely 
depend upon the manner in which its members discharge their 
duties. Chief among these duties are the following: 

1. To invite strangers to attend the Prayer-Meetings of the 
Society, and regular services of the Church. 

2. To be continually on the lookout for persons who ought to 
become members of the Society. 

3. To satisfy themselves of the fitness of candidates, and pro- 
pose the names of suitable persons. 

4. To introduce new members to the work of the Society, to 
each other, and to other members. 

5. To affectionately look after and endeavor to reclaim any 
that may seem to be indifferent to their duties. 

6. To assist the weak, encourage the timid, and do all in their 
power to build up the Society in numbers, and increase its piety 
and devoti6n. 



20 THE HELPING HAXD. 

The Lookout Committee has been styled by different writers, 
"The Eyes of the Society/' "The Outside Conscience, " "The 
Monitor," "The Pastor's Cabinet," etc. Rev. W. H. G. Temple, 
speaking of the Model Lookout Committee, calls it by various 
names : 

(1) A Look-oat Committee, casting its eyes over the field, in 
quest of new members, and of important work to do. 

(2) A Look-up Committee, following every advantage, making 
personal appeals, and extending invitations to the Society and to 
the Church. 

(3) A Look-in Committee, noting who are present and who 
absent, and laying out new work. 

(4) A Look-after Committee, hunting up delinquents, and going 
after them like a sunbeam, and not like a thunder-cloud. 

(5) A Look-into Committee, advising, encouraging and restoring. 

(6) A Look-around Committee, greeting strangers who have 
come to the meeting, and inviting them to come again ; answer- 
ing inquiries about the Society, and answering the objections of 
croakers. 

(7) A Look-over Committee, whose eyes are wide open, early 
and late, and all the time, to see some new work to do for the 
Master. 

2. The Prayer-Meeting Committee.— This committee has 
in charge the Prayer-Meeting, and to it is committed the duty of 
assigning topics for special meetings, and supplying Topic Cards 
for the regular service, appointing a leader for each meeting, and 
doing all in its power to secure faithfulness to the Prayer- 
Meeting Pledge. 

Eev. Edward A. Robinson offers the following suggestions to 
the Prayer-Meeting Committee, which are worthy of careful 
attention : 

1. Let every member feel a responsibility for every meeting. 

2. Be punctual in your attendance, and sit as far forward as 
possible. 

3. Take a part early in the meeting ; the earlier the better. 

4. Speak so that all may hear, and as if you meant just what 
you say. 



THE HELPING HAND. 21 

5. Help the leader or speaker; and if a young Christian has 
helped you, tell him or her about it. 

6. Be on the watch for helpful suggestions, and try to secure 
their adoption. 

7. Think of the meetings ; talk of them ; pray for them ; work 
for them, and look to God for his blessings upon your efforts. 

3. The Social Committee. — To this committee is committed 
the duty of promoting the social interests of the Society. Some 
of its more important duties may be thus tabulated : 

1. To greet strangers at any and all of the meetings, with a 
cordial hand-shake and a word of welcome. 

2. To provide for the mutual acquaintance of members, by 
occasional Socials. 

3. To arrange for concerts, lectures, literary exercises, or any 
other kind of entertainments practicable and advisable, of which 
the Church approves. 

The following timely suggestions have been offered by Mr. 
Frank A. Arnold to the members of this Committee: 

1. Be sure that the members of your Society are mutually 
acquainted. 

2. Do not neglect the stranger or the new member, but let 
him or her have your first attention. 

3. Be prepared to sacrifice self, if need be, and make the hap- 
piness of others your pleasure. 

4. Keep ever fresh in your mind, as a guide to your actions, 
the thought that it is the Master's work in which you are 
engaged, and He who can look into the heart and see the motives 
which govern actions will not leave un-rewarded, even the cup 
of cold water, if it be given in his name. 

4. The Executive Committee.— This Committee consists of 
the Pastor of the Church, the Officers of the Society, and the 
Chairmen of the various Committees. It is the Council before 
which all important business matters should first come— all finan- 
cial schemes, and all questions requiring, or likely to elicit, dis- 
cussion, and its decisions are to be reported to the society. The 
decisions, under the Constitution, as interpreted by its author, 
are not final, but the prudent Society will not often adopt any 
measure the Committee does not approve. 



22 THE HELPING HAND. 

5. The Junior Committees.— There should also be a Lookout 
Committee, and such other Committees as may be needed among 
the Junior members, with duties similiar to those resting upon 
similar Committees in the main Society. These Committees 
should be appointed by the Superintendent, subject to the 
approval of the Junior membership. 

ii. The Special. — The Special Committees are those author- 
ized and provided for in the By-Laws, which, while very useful, 
are not essential to the existence of a regular Y. P. S. C. E. 
Each Society may have such of them as its size, particular work 
and surroundings may require. Those named in the Model By- 
Laws are the Sunday-School, the Calling, the Music, the Mis- 
sionary, the Flower, the Temperance, the Relief, and the Good 
Literature. Like the Regular Committees, each should consist of 
five members, one of whom should be designated as Chairman, 
and another as Secretary. 

1. The Sunday-School Committee.— This Committee has a 
very good field in which to operate, and may be instrumental in 
doing much good. The most obvious ways in which its members 
can be made useful are, 

1. By hunting up and bringing into the Sunday-school, chil- 
dren that are not in attendance. 

2. By trying to interest the grown up girls and boys, who are 
under no special religious influence, in the Sunday-school. 

3. By doing their best to make recruiting officers of pupils 
who are already in the school, to assist in bringing in others. 

4'. By offering their services to the Superintendent, in any 
capacity in which he may think them useful. 

•5. By always being found at the Sunday-school themselves, 
wide-awake and ready to do anything in their powder to advance 
its interest. 

2. The Calling Committee.— This Committee will find plenty 
to do, especially in a Church located in a growing community, or 
"where the population is changing. The work of its members is, 

1. To call upon strangers in the community, make their 
acquaintance, and invite them to attend the meetings of the 
Society. 

2. To visit young members of the School, Society and Church, 



THE HELPING HAND, 23 

who may seem timid, and do what they can to make them "feel 
at home" among God's people. 

3. To visit the sick and afflicted, at proper times, and show a 
friendly interest in them; and, in brief, to be "the feet of the 
Society," ready to run here and there on errands of mercy and 
love. 

3. The Music Committee.— There is much good work that 
may be done by this Committee to add to the interest of the 
meetings, and influence of the Society. To specify, it is their 
duty, 

1. To see that the Society is supplied with suitable song-books, 
and musical instruments, if the Church sanctions their use. 

2 To see that a chorister is present at each meeting to lead 
the singing, and an organist or pianist, if an instrument is used. 

3. To assist the leader of the prayer-meeting, if assistance be 
needed, in the selection of suitable songs. 

4. To take steps to cultivate the musical talent of the Society, 
that as many as possible may "sing with the spirit, and the under- 
standing," also. 

5. To provide suitable music for any special meetings, and to 
cooperate with the Social Committee, when musical entertain- 
ments are to be given. 

4. The Missionary Committee.— The duties of this Commit- 
tee are numerous and important: 

1. To earnestly endeavor to interest the Society in mission 
work, both home and foreign. 

2. To provide suitable exercises for missionary meetings, to 
be held at such times as the Society may select. 

3. To cooperate with other Committees in visiting the sick, 
the poor, the neglected, and do all in their power to relieve dis- 
tress, and teach the principles of the Gospel of Christ. 

5. The Flower Committee.— This Committee can make 
itself useful in various ways : 

1. In providing flowers for the pulpit on the Lord's day, and 
for the desk of the leader of the Society at prayer-meeting. 

2. By assisting in the decoration of the Church on public fes- 
tive occasions, such as Christmas, Easter, Children's Day, and 
Thanksgiving. 



24 THE HELPING HAND. 

3. By systematically collecting flowers and distributing them 
in hospitals, and among the sick and afflicted in their own homes. 

6. The Temperance Committee.— The temperance work 
among the young is most important, and, hence, there is always 
need of a Temperance Committee, or some other persons specially 
charged w T ith its duties. Some of the most apparent of these 
duties are, 

1 . To provide for the holding of temperance meetings by the 
Society, at such times as may be thought expedient. 

2. To provide suitable exercises for these meetings, and secure 
proper persons to take charge of the same. 

3. To secure as many signers to the pledge of total abstinence 
from the use of intoxicating liquors as possible ; especially among 
the children and young people. 

7. The Relief Committee.— The work of this committee 
depends much upon local needs and circumstances. Its mission 
is to do practical mission work by, 

1. Eelieving the wants of the distressed, and helping to care 
for the sick. 

2. Endeavoring to find homes for orphan children, and situa- 
tions for those willing and able to work, who are out of employ- 
ment. 

The duties of this Committee are much like those of the Call- 
ing and Missionary Committees, and except in large Societies 
the duties may usually be divided among them. It is only import- 
ant that their Christ-like work be done by some one, and done 
heartily and thoroughly. 

8. The Good Literature Committee.— Though mentioned 
last, this is really one of the most important of all the Special 
Committees, and few if any can do more to advance the interests 
of the Society, and give it a permanent place among the working 
forces of the Church. Among other things this committee is, 

1. To promote the circulation of good papers and magazines 
among the members of the Society, particularly of the magazine 
or other periodical which the Church approves, especially devoted 
to the welfare and work of the young people. 

2. To endeavor to devise ways and means for supplying visit- 
ors and friends of the Society, w T ho are not members, with such 
literature as will acquaint them with its aims and purposes. 



THE HELPING HAND. 25 

3. To assist the Librarian in devising ways of procuring suita- 
able books for the library, and encouraging their reading by 
members of the Society. 

4. To assist the Temperance, Missionary and other Commit- 
tees, in the distribution of tracts and other documents, as may be 
selected and approved by the proper authorities. 

The Work of Chairmen. 

The efficiency of the various Committees depends largely 
upon their respective Chairmen; therefore, care should always 
be taken to put the most competent members into these posi- 
tions. The following rules have been prepared for their guid- 
ance by a successful worker : 

1. Keep in mind the Y. P. S. C. E. motto— "For Christ and 
the Church." 

2. Learn definitely what your work is, as defined in the Con- 
stitution. 

3. Learn definitely what work there is to do. "Knowledge is 
power." 

4. Assign some definite and particular work to each member 
of your Committee. 

5. Make sure that members of your Committee know exactly 
what their special work is. 

6. Have Committee meetings. The members of the Commit- 
tees need to talk the work over. 

7. Begin every Committee meeting with prayer. Take God 
into all your counsels, and ask for his guidance. 

8. Pray over your work. We are seeking to do work for God ; 
it is worth while to talk with him about the work. 

9. Plan your work. There is system in politics, system in 
railroads, system in business, but the Christian Church hereto- 
fore has expected results without that system, which everywhere 
else is esteemed essential. If farmers raised wheat as we work 
for Christ, we should all starve. 

10. Always make out a monthly report. The object of the 
report is to show that the Committee have done what they could ; 
that they have not been idle. Such a report is always a stimulus 
to those who hear it and to the Committee who make it. If they 



26 THE HELPING HAND. 

have done very little, let them report that little. If they have 
done absolutely nothing, let them report that with contrition 
and resolve to do better; but on no account let the written 
report, which is to be filed by the Secretary and kept, be omitted. 

Examples. 

Be earnest; salvation's the prize; 

Be patient, the cross you must bear; 
Be holy, be gentle, be wise ; 

Be constant, be faithful in prayer. 



III. 

THE Y. P. S. C. E. MEETINGS, 



I. THE PRAYER-MEETING. 

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together."— Heb. 10:24. 

The Prayer-Meeting is by far the most important of all the 
meetings of the Y. P. S. C. E. Without it no Society could long 
exist, as it is from it and in it that spiritual strength and inspira- 
tion are principally to be gained for the outside practical duties. 

1, The Pledge. — One of the essential characteristics of the 
Society is the pledge on the part of every Active Member to be 
present at every meeting, unless for some reason that can con- 
scientiously be given to the Saviour for absence, and to take some 
part (or be ready to do so if opportunity offers), aside from sing- 
ing, in every meeting. This is a wise provision, as it assures a 
good attendance ; provides exercises in variety and abundance ; 
gives all something to do; keeps them in sympathy with the 
movement, and makes them partakers of the spiritual benefits. 

2. The Order of Service. — There should be as much variety 
in the service as possible, and where the exercises are to be vol- 
untary, no definite order can be followed. The following general 
suggestions may be useful : 

1. A soul-stirring song suitable for the occasion. 

2. A brief prayer by the leader, the president or pastor. 



THE HELPING HAND, 27 

3. A short responsive Bible Keading of an appropriate selec- 
tion from The Christian Psalter. 

4. A song in harmony with the Topic for the evening. 

5. A very few preliminary remarks by the leader, in which 
the Topic should be stated, and the Scripture passages upon which 
it is based, read, if not too long. 

6. Short talks, recitations, readings and prayers from the Act- 
ive Members, interspersed with singing. 

7. If time permit, a few remarks by the pastor, or any visitor 
whom the leader is sure possesses the grace and wisdom to say 
the right thing. 

8. Concluding song and prayer, or benediction. 

3. The Topics. — It will usually be found best to adopt and fol- 
low the Uniform Topics arranged by the United Society. Most of 
the periodicals giving any attention to the Endeavor work print 
these Topics with suggestive comments and helpful hints. 

4. The Leader. — The leader for each meeting is selected by 
the Prayer-Meeting Committee, often a long time before the 
evening on which he or she is to lead. Many of the best Socie- 
ties have printed Topic-Cards, which are freely distributed, 
announcing the leader for three or six months in advance. This 
plan is a good one, as it gives the leader ample time to prepare, 
and creates a special interest among particular personal friends. 
Much has been said and written on the duties of leaders, and the 
Endeavor papers and magazines are full of suggestions which all 
should read and ponder as they have opportunity. A few points 
only can be noted here : 

(1) Negatively.— 1. Do not read too long a passage of Scrip- 
ture, or too many passages. 

2. Do not take up too much time in your introduction, remem- 
bering that you are only one among many who are to take part. 

3. Do not lose control of the meeting, or let it run itself, but 
have something ready for every emergency. 

4. Do not let the meeting drag tiresomely along after the time 
for closing. 

(2) Positively.— 1. Be prompt both in beginning and closing 
the services. 

2. Announce the Topic of the evening in your opening 
remarks. 



28 THE HELPING HAND. 

3. As far as possible select hymns that bear on the subject of 
the meeting, and those with tunes simple and easy to sing. 

4. Stand rather than sit while reading the Scriptures. 

5. Try to add a few words of your own to the Scripture read- 
ing, but be very brief in all your remarks. 

6. Pray for the meeting before you come, and after it is over, 
asking the Lord to bless it to his own glory and the good of all 
present. 

5. The Chorister. — Societies that can have the regular ser- 
vices of a competent leader of the singing are to be congratulated. 
It is the duty of the Music Committee to secure such a leader, if 
possible ; but if not, to see to it that some one competent to lead 
is present at every meeting. A few suggestions to the Chorister 
may not be amiss : 

1. Confer with the leader about the songs, but defer to his or 
her judgment in case of any disagreement. 

2. When other members start hymns of their own selection, 
join heartily in the singing. 

3. If invited by the leader or Music Committee occasionally to 
sing a solo, do so, if you have a talent in that line, but do not 
attempt to "show off." 

6. The Organist. — If an instrument is to be used of course 
there must be an organist or pianist. The necessary qualification 
for this office is the ability to perform plain music, at least, at 
sight. The occupant of this position must guard against the 
temptation to make exhibitions of skill in lengthy preludes, fan- 
tastic interludes and questionable variations. 

7. The Music. — The singing is, or can readily be made, one 
of the most pleasing and profitable parts of the Prayer-Meeting 
service, having "in it both the elements of worship and instruc- 
tion. Sentiments sung make a deeper impression upon the mind 
and heart than when read or spoken, and many a wanderer has 
been brought back to duty, and many a sinner been led to Christ, 
by some stirring Gospel song, who has withstood the most elo- 
quent appeals from the pulpit. 

8. The Membership. — Much depends upon the Committee, 
the Leader, the Chorister and other Officials, but if the Prayer- 
Meeting is a conspicuous success, the whole Membership must 



THE HELPING HAXD. 29 

work together to make it so. The following, on "Ways, Means 
and Sources/' principally from Rev. A. D. Smith, are worthy of 
consideration : 

(1) Ways of Taking Part. — 1. Kepeat an appropriate passage 
of Scripture. 

2. Repeat or read an appropriate selection from other litera- 
ture. 

3. Ask a question, either oral or written, on some practical 
question. 

4. Say a word from your own thinking, or out of your own 
experience. 

5. Offer a short prayer, with some definite object in view. 

(2) Sources of Preparation. — 1. Your own private Christian 
experience. 

2. Your encouragements and discouragements in Christian 
work. 

3. Your conversation with fellow Christians. 

4. The minister's sermon, the Sunday-school lesson, and pre- 
vious remarks by other members. 

5. The study of the Topic by aid of your Endeavor magazine, 
and other publications. 

6. Your general reading of the Bible, and other literature. 

7. Your knowledge of the work in other parts of the field. 

The Hour of Prayer. 

Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, 
That calls us from a world of care, 
And bids us at our Father's throne, 
Make all our wants and wishes known. 
In seasons of distress and grief, 
Our souls have often found relief, 
And oft escaped the tempter's snare, 
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer. 



II. THE CONSECRATION MEETING. 

"Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God."-i?om. 12:1. 

The Constitution requires that once a month a Consecration 
Service shall be held in every Society, which all Active Members 
are required to attend. 



30 THE HELPING HAND. 

1. Time of the Meeting. — This service may be held in con- 
nection with the regular weekly Prayer-Meeting, or it may be at 
a different hour, or day, In most Societies the former is the 
custom, and the time selected is the last Sunday evening in each 
month. While this meeting has services and work peculiar to 
itself, the prayer and songs and talks may all, in some measure, 
be in harmony with the evening Topic. 

2. The Leader. — As this a most important service, a leader of 
experience should be in charge. A very good plan is for the pas- 
tor, or some other leading official of the Church, the President of 
the Society and the Chairmen of the Prayer-Meeting and Look- 
out Committees, to occupy this position in rotation. 

3. The Roll-Call. — After the usual opening services, and 
introductory remarks by the leader, the roll of Active Members 
is to be called by the Secretary, or Leader, or other person famil- 
iar with them. As each member's name is called he or she is 
expected to speak of his or her progress in the Christian life, or 
renew the vow of consecration. In place of original remarks, a 
verse of Scripture or poetry may often be appropriately substi- 
tuted. 

4. Associate Members. — It will be well to call the roll of 
Associate Members, also, that they may be made to feel that 
their relation to the Society is not forgotten, and that the Active 
Members may always know who are so enrolled. When their 
names are called they can indicate their presence by merely 
answering, "Present." 

4. The Absentees.— Members of either class who foresee a 
necessary absence on their part, should notify the Secretary in 
advance, and when the names of such are called the cause of the 
absence should be stated, and if any communication has been 
received, it should be read. It is the duty of the Lookout Com- 
mittee to carefully note the absentees and visit, at their very ear- 
liest convenience, those who are absent without excuse, and 
endeavor to impress upon their minds the great importance of 

faithfulness. 

Consecration Vow. 

Lord Jesus, look down from thy throne in the skies, 

And help me to make a complete sacrifice ; 

I give up myself and whatever I know : 

Now wash me, and I shall he whiter than snow. 



THE HELPIXG HAXD. 31 

III. SPECIAL SERVICES. 

"That I might by all means save some."— 1 Cor. 9 -22. 

1. The Temperance Service. — At least once in three months 
a Temperance Service should be held in every Society. This 
may be in connection with the regular Prayer-Meeting for the 
week, or may be on a different night of the week. Whenever 
held the service should be under the general direction of the 
Temperance Committee, and all the exercises should tend to 
impress upon the minds of all the importance of total abstinence 
from the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, and of an ear- 
nest endeavor and united effort on the part of all Christians to 
put down the liquor-traffic. 

2. The Missionary Service. — As often as once a quarter a 
Missionary Service should also be held, under the general direc- 
tion of the Missionary Committee, either in connection with the 
weekly Prayer-Meeting, or some other convenient time. Espe- 
cial care should be given to the preparation for this service, and 
its aim should be to impress the blessedness and importance of 
mission work, both in home-fields and in foreign lands ; impart 
information concerning it, and urge the importance of being fel- 
low-laborers with the missionaries, by praying for their success, 
contributing to their support, and personally engaging in the 
work with them as opportunity offers. 

3. Bible Beading Service. — Occasionally it is well to let the 
Prayer-Meeting take the form of a Bible Reading. An expe- 
rienced leader should be selected for such occasions, who should 
before hand carefully analyze the subject for the evening, and 
look up the passages of Scripture and assign them to different 
members to be read at the proper time. Let one or more follow 
such reading with a few pertinent remarks, and let all be liberally 
interspersed with brief prayers, and a verse or two of appropriate 
songs. 

4. The Song-Service. — One of the most interesting, impress- 
ive and inspiring of all the forms of Special Service is the Song- 
Service, which should be in charge of the Music Commttee, with 
perhaps the Chairman of the Committee as leader for the even- 
ing. 



32 THE HELPING HAND. 

(1) The Singing. — The singing in this service, as indeed in all 
Endeavor meetings, should be spirited and earnest. Dragging, 
lifeless singing will minister to spiritual death, rather than to 
spiritual life. 

(2) The Songs. — The songs should be carefully selected before 
hand, and should be in harmony with some central thought, or 
with the Topic of the week, if the service takes the place of the 
usual Prayer-Meeting service. There may with great propriety 
be solos, duetts and quartets,, as well as choruses, but there 
should be a liberal allowance of familiar songs. A select quartet 
choir to assist the Chorister and sustain the parts is desirable in 
this service, as indeed in all the Endeavor devotional meetings, 
but all should be encouraged to sing. '-Let the people praise 
thee, O God ; let all the people praise thee" (Psa. 67 :3) . 

5. Other Forms. — The Prayer-Meeting services may some- 
times take still other special forms. A Society occupying a field 
by itself so far away from others as to be deprived of the benefit 
and fellowship of a Local Union, might occasionally have, 

(1) A Correspondence Service. — To make this successful a num- 
ber of Societies in other places must be induced to send reports 
of their work, with suggestions that may be useful, to be read at 
the meeting. 

(2) A Motto Service. — In a service of this kind the great point 
in all the Bible Readings, recitations, talks, songs and prayers 
should be to emphasize the glorious motto of the Endeavor move- 
ment, "For Christ and the Church." 

(3) A Memoriter Service. — In a service of this kind, no Bibles, 
song-books, papers or notes of any kind are brought out, but 
everything is repeated from memory. 

(4) A Psalm Service. — In this service the Scripture selections 
are all taken from the Psalms. A Psalm may be read by the 
leader and the Society responsively ; and others or portions of 
others, by the various Committees in concert. There may also 
be very brief papers or talks on the lessons of the particular 
Psalms read. Other portions of the Bible may be treated in the 
same way. The classifications of the gems of Scripture found in 
The Christian Psalter will afford great variety of suitable themes. 



THE HELPING HAND. 33 

In all these special services the proceedings should be rever- 
ent. Remember that in them the aim should be to glorify God 
and advance the interests of his work upon earth. 

A Prayer for Help. 
Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach 

The precious blessings thou dost impart ; 
And wing my words, that they may reach 

The hidden depths of many a heart. 



IV. JUNIOR METINGS. 

"Even a child is known by his doings."— Prov. 20:11. 

The best time for the regular weekly meeting of the Junior 
Society or Band will usually be found to be Sunday afternoon. 
The exercises should embrace, 

1. Devotions. — Reading of the Scriptures, prayers by and for 
members, recitations of Bible verses, songs, and little talks. 

2. Instruction. — By the Superintendent, pastor and other 
wise and prudent persons, on and from the Word of God, and on 
various practical duties. 

3. Business. — Reports of Committees, the admission of mem- 
bers, and other things requiring attention. 

4. The Topic. — The regular Topic for the week in the 
Endeavor Prayer-Meeting may be used in the Junior meet- 
ing, and the songs, prayers, recitations, readings and talks, in a 
measure, be made to bear upon it. 

5. The Leader. — Much depends upon the Leader or Superin- 
tendent, and he or she should always make special preparation 
for the important duties of the position. Mrs. Alice May Scud- 
der gives the following valuable suggestions to leaders: 

(1) Be Alive. — "With all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with 
all thy mind." This must be the spirit of every leader of chil- 
dren. 

(2) Be Bested. — Don't exhaust your nervous force any more 
than is absolutely necessary on the day of the meeting, for 
you will need a large reserve in readiness to draw upon. 

(3) Be Childlike. — The simpler the language, and the more 



34 THE HELPING HAND. 

suited to children the illustrations are, the better the meeting 
will be. 

(3) Be Hopeful. — The work of Christianizing children is not 
done in a day, nor even in a week, nor sometimes for years. The 
sculptor chisels a bit at a time, and by-and-by a figure of match- 
less beauty stands out before him. If you feel discouraged glance 
back a year, and see the spiritual earnestness of those boys who 
once were so restless and so hard to interest. That dear timid 
little girl who fairly trembled from head to foot when reading a 
verse, leads the meeting now with little trouble to herself or to 
you. 

The Children's Service. 

People and realms of every tongue 

Dwell on his love with sweetest song, 

And infant voices shall proclaim 

Their blessings on the Saviour's name. 



V- BUSINESS MEETINGS. 

"Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord,"— Rom. 12:11. 

The business of the Y. P. S. C. E. should be conducted on 
strict business principles. The Lord himself works in an orderly, 
systematic way, and. his work goes on most successfully when 
his servants follow his example. Business meetings may be con- 
sidered under the following heads : 

1, The Regular. — There ought to be a regular Business 
Meeting of the Society once a month, and at the close of the first 
regular Prayer-Meeting for the month is a good time for the 
meeting. A't this meeting the following items will usually need 
attention : 

1. The reading of the minutes of the last Business Meeting. 

2. The President's Monthly Report. 

3. Reports oi the Corresponding and Recording Secretaries. 

4. Reports of Standing Committees. 

5. Reports of the Regular Committees. 

6. Reports of Special Committees. 

7. New Business of any kind. 



■ THE HELPING HAND. 35 

8. Presentation of names, and election of new members. 

2. The Election. — Under the Constitution, the election of 
officers and members of the various Committees is to take place 
semi-annually. The election may be held in connection with 
the Regular Business Meeting, or at a different time, as the 
Society may prefer. The former is the usual custom, but in large 
Societies where' there is much business to attend to, the latter is 
the better course to pursue. 

(1) Manner of Electing. — A good plan is for the President to 
appoint a Committee, at least one week in advance of the time of 
election, to nominate candidates for the various positions, who 
are to be elected by the vote of the Active Members. The vote 
may be either by ballot or viva voce. 

(2) Places of Trust. — While membership on the Board of Offi- 
cers or Committees should be distributed as evenly as the good of 
the Society will warrant, these positions should not be considered 
places of honor to be striven for, but simply places of trust, and 
opportunities for increased usefulness. When a member has 
been fairly elected, it is expected that he or she will consider the 
office a sacred trust, to be conscientiously accepted and never to 
be declined, except for most urgent and valid reasons. 

3. The Special. — Special Meetings may be held at any time, 
on a call of the President, for the transaction of any business that 
cannot await the regular meeting, or that for any reason cannot 
well come before it. 

4. The Executive. — The Executive Board, which, as before 
stated, consists of the Pastor of the Church, the Officers of the 
Society, and the Chairmen of the various Committees, will hold 
their meetings at such times as may be convenient and necessary. 
Their duties have already been defined. The object of this Com- 
mittee, as explained by Dr. Clark, is to prevent waste of time, 
in the regular meetings of the Society, by useless debate and 
unnecessary parliamentary practice, which is always harmful to 
the spirit of the Prayer-Meeting. 

4. The Committees. — The various Committees provided for 
in the Constitution and By-La avs, should hold meetings at such 
times as the interest of the work placed in their hands may 
demand, for which no special instructions are necessary, further 



3G THE HELPING HAND. 

than that they should endeavor to conduct all their proceedings 
in a business-like way, and through their secretaries keep accu- 
rate minutes of their meetings, to be handed over to their suc- 
cessors in office. 

Workmen and Soldiers. 
Workmen and soldiers of the Lord, 

Weapons and tools at once we bear ; 
We hold the trowel and the sword, 

The foe repel, the wall repair ; 
Till Jesus in himself brings down 
The laborer's hire, the victor's crown. 



VI. SOCIAL. MEETINGS. 

"He that hath friends must show himself friendly."— Prov. 18:24. 

The Constitution contemplates such gatherings as these occa- 
sionally, under the direction of the Social Committee. When 
properly arranged for and conducted they may he made very use- 
ful in helping on the good work for which the Y. P. S. C. E. is 
organized. 

1. The Object. — The object of the Social is to form new 
acquaintances, to cultivate acquaintances already formed, and to 
minister to the social enjoyment of the young people. Particular 
care should be taken to invite the new members, both Active and 
Associate, and also the young people of the neighborhood gener- 
ally, who may not be connected with the Society, with a view to 
interesting them in the work:. 

2. The Entertainment.— Wide awake young people will 
scarcely need any suggestions as to the manner of making the 
Social interesting and useful, but the following may be helpful to 
the inexperienced : 

1. See that particular attention is paid to the diffident, to new 
members and to strangers. 

' 2. Let there be no "sets," "clans," "castes," or "special 
favorites," but endeavor on such occasions to have all on a com- 
mon social and Christian level. 

3. Eefreshments may be provided, if convenient, and also 
any harmless amusements which the particular church with 
which the Society is connected may approve. 



THE HELPING HAND. 37 

4. Never for a moment forget that you are the Lord's servants, 
that all you say and do ought to be with an eye single to his 
glory, and that you should never engage in anything upon 
which you cannot ask his blessings. 

Ever Faithful. 
Be faithful and watchful in all that you do ; 
To Jesus, the Master, be loyal and true; 
His honor and glory your care be ever ; 
To faithfully serve him, your constant endeavor. 



VII. LITERARY AND MUSICAL. 

"These things are good and profitable."— Titus 3:8. 

Entertainments of this class may with great propriety be given 
and may be made helpful to the Society and to the community as 
educators, and at the same time pleasant means for replenishing 
the treasury, by charging a reasonable admission fee. Such 
entertainments may take a wide range. There may be, 

1. Concert Services. — Such an entertainment can be given 
exclusively by the members of the Society, aided perhaps by some 
of the children of the Sunday-school for variety. The exercises 
should be made up of Scripture passages, recitations, short talks 
and appropriate songs, clustered about some great central truth. 

2. Musical Concerts, — By the aid of the Church Choir, and 
other local talent, either amateur or professional, or both, an 
evening's entertainment of vocal and instrumental selections can 
often be arranged, that will be popular, pleasant and profitable. 

3. Lectures. — A lecture-course, or at least an occasional lec- 
ture, can be arranged for in most Societies, if thought desirable. 
The lectures can be on Endeavor work, or any other form of Chris- 
tian activity ; or on social, scientific or popular subjects. The 
pastor, and other local ministers, lawyers, doctors and teachers, 
can often be had for these lectures ; or where thought best and 
practicable, like talent from neighboring towns can be procured. 

Helps in the Work. 
The aid e'en such as these may bring 

We may not well refuse, 
But use them as the scaffolding 

The busy builders use. 



38 THE HELPING HAND. 

VIII. ANNIVERSARIES. 

"Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."— 1 Sam. 7:12. 

Anniversaries are " mile-stones" along the pathway the Society 
has traveled, and may be made occasions for arousing a deeper 
interest in the work among outsiders, as well as means for arous- 
ing those already engaged to greater activity. The following are 
some of the occasions that may be thus utilized : 

1. Endeavor Day. — This is the second day of February, the 
anniversary of the founding of the first distinct Society, at Port- 
land, Maine, in 1881. Suitable exercises for this occasion would 
be brief addresses and papers reviewing the rise and progress of 
the Endeavor movement, with discussion of plans for enlarging 
the sphere of usefulness of the local Society, all mingled with 
prayers and songs of thanksgiving. The Societies of a town or 
district may sometimes advantageously unite in the observance, 
at some convenient centre. It is an opportune time, also, for each 
Society to make an offering for some distinctive mission work. 

2. Easter. — It w r ill not be amiss for each Society to make use 
of Easter as an occasion for impressing the great truths connected 
with the Resurrection of our Lord. This can usually be best 
done by joining with the Sunday-school in a Concert Service, or 
Cantata. 

3. Fourth of July. — Our young people should be taught to be 
patriotic — to love their country, and to properly appreciate the 
blessings of liberty which they enjoy under her starry flag. 
Therefore, if practicable, a proper commemoration of the great 
National Anniversary will not be at all out of place. Appro- 
priate exercises for such an occasion w r ould be devotional and 
patriotic songs, short speeches, mingled with thanksgiving and 
prayer. 

4. Thanksgiving, — The National Thanksgiving-day is another 
occasion suitable for anniversary services. As on Easter, the 
Society may profitably join w T ith the Sunday-school in rendering 
a service based on passages from the Word of God, speaking of 
the Divine goodness in supplying the wants of his creatures both 
temporal and spiritual. 

5. Christmas. — Christmas, the day almost universally 
observed as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus, is a most fit- 



THE HELPING HAND. 39 

ting time each year to recount the blessings his coming into the 
world brought to mankind. A Christmas Cantata, or Concert 
Service, by the aid of or in connection with the Sunday-school, 
is one of the most suitable forms of service. 

A Stone of Help. 
Thus far the Lord hath helped ns on, 

Thus far his power prolongs our days, 
And every season shall make known 

Some fresh memorial of his grace. 



IV. 
THE Y. P. S. C. E. FRATERNITY. 

I. THE LOCAL SOCIETY. 

"Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."— Eph. 4:3. 

Every faithful Disciple of Christ, who is striving to know and 
do the will of the Master, is a true Christian Endeavorer, and 
where a band of such in any place unite to help each other, and 
by their combined effort, earnestly seek to assist in building up 
the Church, they constitute a Genuine Society of Christian 
Endeavor. 

1. The Government. — To enable them to work in an orderly 
way, they adopt certain rules and regulations to govern their 
proceedings, known as the Constitution and By-Laws, and elect 
certain officers to lead their meetings and direct their operations, 
but all with the approval and under the general supervision of 
the officials of the particular church w T ith which each Society is 
connected. 

2. Essential Features. — The Essential Features of the Society 
are, 

1 . Pledged and constant attendance upon a Weekly Prayer- 
Meeting of its own. 

2. Pledged and constant participation in the Services of this 
meeting by every Active Member. 



40 THE HELPING HAND. 

3. Pledged and constant work for others, through the Com- 
mittees for which it provides. 

4. Pledged and constant participation in the regular work of 
the Church, in all its departments, as opportunity offers, and a 
faithful and regular attendance upon all its stated meetings for 
worship. 

Our Duty. 

To serve the present age, 

Our calling to fulfill ; 
Oh, may it all our powers engage 

To do the Master's will! 



II. LOCAL UNIONS. 

* 'Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in 

unity."— Psa. 133:1. 

Local Unions are composed of three, six, or a dozen or more 
Local Societies, of the same city, town or district. They have 
been found very useful, and have stimulated the growth and 
increased the value of individual Societies. 

1. The Object. — These Unions are for mutual helpfulness. 
The young people who unite to form them meet once in two or 
three months for a discussion of methods of work, or the funda- 
mental principles of the Society, or for meetings of prayer and 
consecration. Such meetings have been found of special value 
in promoting the spirit of brotherhood and Christian fellowship. 

2. The Government. — The organization of these Unions is 
very simple. A brief constitution denning the object, the condi- 
tions of membership, the officers and their duties, is all that is 
required to put them in working order. 

3. The Meetings. — Experienced Endeavorers will not need 
.any instructions as to the conduct of the meetings; but to those 

new to the work the following suggestions of Dr. Clark may not 
be amiss : 

1 Have variety. Do not have two meetings in succession that 
are just alike. 

2. Bring out new and improved methods of work. Let each 



THE HELPING HAND. 41 

Society in the Union tell just how it has been able to do the best 
work. 

3. Do not weary the audience with too many reports of Local 
Societies. Have the reports crisp, short and to the point. 

4. Rely most upon home-talent, but occasionally have some 
speaker from outside the Union, who can arouse and inspire the 
members. 

The Sacred Tie. 
How blest the sacred tie that binds, 
In sweet communion kindred minds! 
How swift the heavenly course they run, 
Whose hearts, whose faith, whose hopes are one! 



III. STATE ASSOCIATIONS. 

"We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in 

company."— Psa. 54:14. 

State Associations are made up of such Local Societies, or Local 
Unions as may desire to enter into such fellowship. 

1. The Object. — The object of these Associations is to stimulate 
an interest in the work of Local Societies, and Local Unions, and 
to bring the workers in various parts of the great field covered 
into closer relation and sympathy through conferences, reports 
and correspondence. 

2. Advantages. — The advantages of such an organization are, 
(1) In Suggestion, by comparing methods of work, and dis- 
cussing questions of practical importance. (2) In Inspiration. 
It is helpful to young Christians to know that they and their few 
associates in the Local Society, or Local Union, are not alone in 
the Lord's service ; but that they are in the sweep and swing of a 
great movement. 

3. The Officiary.— The officers of the State Association are, a 
President, three Vice-Presidents, and a Secretary and Treasurer, 
with an Executive Board composed of the Presidents of the 
various Local Unions, with the duties usual in such positions. 

4. The Convention, — An Annual Convention should be held 
at some accessible point, made up of all Christian Endeavorers 
who may attend. An effort should always be made to secure the 



42 THE HELPING HAND. 

attendance of at least representatives from the various Local 
Unions of the State. To make the Convention that success that 
it may be, ample preparation should be made for it before hand. 
As to the program, Rev. John L. Sewall makes the following sug- 
gestions : 

1. Arrange it at least three months before the meeting. 

2. Have some reliable "all-round" men ready to fill vacancies, 
which are sure to come during the sessions. 

3. Use lay-talent as much as possible in short papers and 
speeches. 

4. For themes requiring special wisdom and discrimination 
call to your aid the best ability at command. 

5. Have every part of the State represented in the list of 
speakers. 

6. As to topics, divide them equally between those on spe- 
cific Endeavor work, and those of broader inspiration to better 
Christian service. 

True Yokefellows. 
Our friendship sanctify and guide, 
Unmixed, O Lord, with sinful pride, 

Thy glory be our constant aim ; 
In all our intercourse below, 
Still let us in thy footsteps go, 

And never meet but in thy name. 



IV. THE UNITED SOCIETY. 

"Be watchful, and strengthen the things that remain."— -Rev. 3:2. 

The United Society is a Bureau of Information ; a natural and 
providential outgrowth of the Christian Endeavor movement, 
with a head-centre, and the officers necessary to carry on the 
w r ork with which it is intrusted. Its status and work are thus 
set forth by Dr. Clark, the honored founder of the movement : 

1. What It is Not. — 1- It is not a body that exercises 
authority over an} r Local Society. 

2. It does not ask from them any allegiance, or levy any taxes 
upon them in any way. 

3. It does not prescribe the rules or by-laws of any Society, 



THE HELPING HAXD. 43 

but every Society under the guidance of its own church wholly 
regulates its own affairs. 

4. It does not interfere with but promotes denominational 
esprit cle corps. By all its publications it urges loyalty to the local 
church next to loyalty to Christ. 

2. What It Does. — 1. It issues different leaflets which are 
meant to describe the principles of the organization. 

2. It provides for an annual convention, at some accessible 
point, in the interest of the United Endeavor Movement. 

3. It publishes a weekly newspaper devoted to Christian 
Endeavor interests, which stands on its own merits, in the fair 
field of religious journalism. 

4. It receives and answers a vast number of letters from all 
portions of Christendom, giving information on the Endeavor 
Work. 

5. It employs no missionaries or agents, and only one secre- 
tary. Its officers very largely give their services. No paid offi- 
cers are employed by the State Unions, but it is left to each pastor 
to establish his own Society, if he desires to do so. 

6. The trustees, who represent different denominations, and 
embrace many eminent men, give their services and pay their 
own expenses incurred in the work. 

7. Thus the United Society, through its chosen officers, watches 
over the general interest of the great Endeavor movement, help- 
ing Individual Endeavorers, by its instructions ; stimulates the 
organization of Local Societies, by diffusing information ; encour- 
ages Local Unions and State Associations, by pointing out their 
benefits, and arranges for great Annual General Assemblies, 
where the loyal hosts gather to recount their labors and triumphs, 
and devise great things for the future. 

Christian Union. 

Bind thy people, Lord, in union, 

With the sevenfold cord of love; 
Breathe a spirit of communion 

With the glorious host above. 
Let thy work be seen progressing; 

Bow each heart, and bend each knee, 
Till the world, thy truth possessing, 

Celebrates its jubilee 



44 THE HELPING HAND. 

V. 

THE Y. P. S. C. E. REQUISITES. 



I. FOR THE MEMBERSHIP. 

"Study to show thyself approved unto God."— 2 Tim. 2:15. 

Young Christian Endeavorers, who would grow up into the 
stature of full men and women in Christ, and be real forces in 
carrying on the work to which they have been called, must make 
use of the means of growth. If they would know the will of the 
great Master and Leader, they must study his Word ; if they would 
be efficient and profitable servants, they must have a knowledge 
of the work to be done ; have the necessary requisites for doing 
it, and understand the best methods of using them. Among the 
helps which every member of the Y. P. S. C. E. should seek to 
possess, may be enumerated the following: 

1. For General Study. — (1) A Bible in substantial binding, 
with references, concordance, maps and other helps. 

(2) The Bible Hand-Book, an aid in the study of the Word of 
God, and a guide to its treasures of wisdom. 

(3) Our Young Folks, a magazine devoted to the welfare and 
work of the young people, and presenting in the most attractive 
form such spiritual and intellectual food as will promote their 
growth in grace and in knowledge, and help them to be wiser, 
happier and better. 

2. For Endeavor Work.— (1) The Helping Hand, the Y. P. 
S. C. E. Manual, which contains in the most concise form, infor- 
mation and directions on almost every subject relating to the Y. 
P. S. C. E. movement. 

(2) Our Young Folks, the Y. P. S. C. E. Magazine noted above, 
which, in addition to other things, contains copious explanatory, 
illustrative and practical notes on the Prayer-Meeting Topics, 
with suggestions and helps on every phase of the Society work. 

(3) A Note-Book, in which to jot down thoughts as they may 
occur, on the Prayer-Meeting Topics, and memoranda of things 
that should be done, and that otherwise might be forgotten. 



THE HELPING HAXD. 45 

(4) A Scrap -Book, in which to preserve in a convenient form 
gems that may be found in the newspapers bearing on the Prayer 
-Meeting Topics, and other subjects, as well as all items of inter- 
est concerning the Endeavor work. 

(5) The Y. P. S. C. E. Badge, to be worn at all times, by which 
members may recognize each other when they meet, without pre- 
vious acquaintance or formal introduction. 

Growth. 

By reading and study endeavor to know 

The will of the Lord— thus in knowledge to grow ; 

Earnestly striving to keep his commands, 

And doing the work he has placed in your hands. 



II. FOR THE OFFICERS. 

"Let all things he done decently and in order."— 1 Cor. 14:40. 

The officers of the Society should be supplied with the requi- 
sites for doing their work in a neat and orderly way. 

1. The President. — The President should of course have all 
the articles specified as desirable for the membership. In his 
Note-Book he should jot down any idea that may occur to him 
likely to be beneficial to the Society in any way ; new work 
needing to be done ; plans for improvement, and points that he 
may desire to bring to the attention of the Executive Committee, 
or the Society at large. His Scrap -Book should be a repository 
of information and statistics on the great Endeavor movement. 

2. The Corresponding Secretary.— This officer needs a 
Blank-Book, in which to make a record of all official acts, and a 
convenient Letter-File in which to preserve all communications 
that may be received from other Societies, Local Unions, the 
State Association, or the United Society. 

3. The Recording Secretary. — This officer requires A Mem- 
ber ship -Record, in which to keep the names of all classes of mem- 
bers and officials in a systematic way ; a Boll- Call Book, in which 
attendance is registered, and a Blank-Book, in which to record 
the minutes of all meetings of the Society, and of the Executive 
Committee. 



46 THE HELPING HAND. 

4. The Treasurer. — The Treasurer should be furnished with 
a suitable Cash-Book, in which the accounts may be kept in a 
systematic way, and all the financial transactions of the Society 
faithfully recorded. 

5. The Librarian. — This official requires A Library Case, 
where the books may be safely and orderly kept ; A Register, in 
which to record the names of all persons entitled to the use of 
the library, and Tickets for keeping accounts with those who take 
out books. Such cases, registers and tickets as are commonly 
used in the management of the Sunday-school library will answer 
equally well in that of the Society. 

6. The Committees. — The Secretaries of the various Commit- 
tees need Registers in which to record all Committee proceedings, 
that they may be preserved among the Archives of the Society. 

7. The Superintendent. — The Superintendent of the Junior 
Band, or Society, needs all the helps recommended for the Presi- 
dent and the membership at large, and should be very watchful 
for new things of interest, as this official, more than any other in 
the Society, is called upon to impart instruction on Bible themes, 
and point out ways of usefulness for the young. 

Acceptable Service. 

Decently, orderly each duty do, 
True to each trust that's committed to you; 
Earnestly, skillfully planning with care, 
Instant in service, fervent in prayer. 



III. FOR THE SOCIETY. 

"That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good 

works."— 2 Tim. 3:17. 

Every Society should aim to possess all requisites for making 
its meetings as pleasant, entertaining and profitable as possi- 
ble. Among the things necessary to this end are the following : 

1. Topic Cards. — These may contain, (1) Simply the Prayer- 
Meeting Topics, for a quarter, six months or a year; (2) The 
Topics, with corresponding Daily Readings ; (3) The Topics, with 
lists of Officials and Committees for six months; or (4) The 



THE HELPING HAND. 47 

Topics, Officers, Committees and Leaders for the same time. 

2. The Christian Psalter- — This book is a Manual of Devo- 
tion, containing Responsive Bible Readings for Public Worship. 
It has selections suitable for almost all occasions, and it adds 
greatly to the interest of the Prayer-Meeting to open the exer- 
cises with a responsive service. 

3. Song-Books- — There should be an abundant supply of 
these. It will usually be found best to have the same kind of 
books used in the Sunday-school, general prayer-meeting, or 
public worship of the church. In all the newer books of this 
class will be found a variety of suitable Endeavor songs. 

4. Our Young 1 Folks. — Enough copies of this Y. P. S. C. E. 
Magazine should be subscribed for by the Society to regularly 
supply visitors, who may thus be interested in the work, and all 
members, both Active and Associate, who do not receive it at 
their homes. It is a fact that those members who most need 
such help and instruction as. such publications afford, are the 
least likely to provide it at their own expense. 

5. The Library. — Every Society, as soon as possible, should 
begin the formation of a library of its own. 

(1) Character of the Books.— The books should be of varied con- 
tents, and all pure and elevating in their teaching. They should 
embrace : 

1. Manuals of Instruction on the Bible, and Bible topics and 
teaching. 

2. Books bearing on the Y. P. S. C. E. movement and special 
work. 

3. Books of Stories, presenting truth in the attractive form of 
narrative. 

4. Books of History and Travel, containing information about 
home and foreign lands. 

5. Books of Biography, giving the lives of prominent persons, 
ancient and modern, worthy of imitation. 

6. Miscellaneous Works, both poetry and prose, such as 
breathe the Spirit of Christ, and will help and encourage the 
young who are endeavoring to do great things for the Lord. 

(2) The Selection of the Books. — The books for the library 
should be selected by a judicious committee, which very properly 



48 THE HELPING HAND. 

may be made up of the Pastor, the President of the Society, the 
Librarian, and the members of the regular Good Literature Com- 
mittee. No book should be accepted till after a careful examina- 
tion and approval by a member of the committee, or some other 
person in whose judgment they have full confidence. 

(3) Management. — The management of the library should be in 
the hands of the Librarian, under such rules and regulations as 
the Society may order. 

Thoroughly Furnished. 

Thoroughly furnished the Lord's work to do, 
Upward and onward our course to pursue ; 
The ground to prepare and the good seed to sow ; 
In faith, grace and knowledge daily to grow. 



VI. 

THE Y. P. S. C. E. FORMULAE. 



I. THE LOCAL. SOCIETY. 

: See that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee."— 

Heb. 8:5. 



MODEL CONSTITUTION. 



ARTICLE I. — NAME. 



This Society shall be called the 



Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor. 

article ii. — object. 

Its object shall be to promote an earnest Christian life among 
its members, to increase their mutual acquaintance, and- to make 
them more useful in the service of God. 

ARTICLE III. — MEMBERSHIP. 

The members shall consist of three classes : Active, Associate, 
and Affiliated, or Honorary. 



THE HELPING HAND. 49 

1. Active. — The Active Members shall consist of young 
Christians who sincerely desire to accomplish the objects above 
specified. 

2. Associate Members.— Any young person of worthy char- 
acter may become an Associate Member, though not a professed 
Christian. Such members are expected to attend the prayer- 
meetings, but may be excused from taking part in the services. 

3. Affiliated Members. — Persons of any age, of good char- 
acter, who are interested in the objects of the Society, may 
become Affiliated Members. The attendance of such members 
at the meetings shall not be required, but they are expected to do 
what they can to promote the interests of the Society. 

These different classes shall become members by vote of the 
Society, after they have read and approved the Constitution. 

ARTICLE IV. — OFFICERS. 

1. The officers of this Society shall be a President, Vice-Pres- 
ident, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer 
and Librarian who shall be chosen from among the Active Mem- 
bers. 

2. There shall be a Lookout Committee, a Prayer-Meeting 
Committee, a Social Committee, and such others as the local 
needs of each Society may require, each consisting of five 
Active members. There shall be also an Executive Committee, 
as Provided in Article VI. 

ARTICLE V. — DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 

1. President. — The President of the Society shall perform 
the duties usually pertaining to that office, presiding at its 
meetings, and watching over all the interests of the Society. 

2. Vice-President. — The Vice-President shall perform the 
duties of the President in his absence. 

3. Corresponding" Secretary. — It shall be the duty of the 
Corresponding Secretary to conduct the general correspondence 
of the Society, acting as the medium of communication between 
the Society and other similar organizations. 

4. Recording Secretary. — It shall be the duty of the Record- 
ing Secretary to keep a record of the members ; correspond with 



50 THE HELPING HAND. 

absent members, and inform them of their standing ; keep the 
minutes of all business meetings, and notify all persons elected 
to office. 

5. Treasurer. — It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to safely 
keep all moneys belonging to the Society and to pay out only 
such sums as shall be voted by the Society. 

6. Librarian. — It should be the duty of the Librarian to care 
for the books belonging to the Society, under such regulations as 
may be established. 

ARTICLE VI. — DUTIES OF COMMITTEES. 

1. Lookout Committee. — It shall be the duty of this Commit- 
tee to bring new members into the Society ; to introduce them to 
the work and to the other members, and to affectionately look 
after and reclaim any that seem indifferent to their duties, as 
outlined in the pledge. This Committee shall also, by personal 
investigation, satisfy itself of the fitness of young persons to 
become members of this Society, and shall propose their names 
at least one week before their election to membership. 
< 2. Prayer-Meeting Committee. — It shall be the duty of this 
Committee to have in charge the Prayer-Meeting, and to see that 
a topic is assigned and a leader appointed for every meeting, and 
to do what it can to secure faithfulness to the Prayer-Meeting 
Pledge. 

3. Social Committee. — It shall be the duty of this Committee 
to promote the social interests of the Society by welcoming stran- 
gers to the meetings, and by providing for the mutual acquaint- 
ance of the members by occasional sociables, for which any 
appropriate entertainment of which the Church approves, may be 
provided. 

4. Executive Committee. — This Committee shall consist of 
the Pastor of the Church, the Officers of the Society, and the 
•Chairmen of the various Committees. All matters of business 
requiring debate shall be brought first before this Committee, 
and by it reported favorably or adversely to the Society. Rec- 
ommendations concerning the finances of the Society shall also 
originate with this Committee. 



THE HELPING HAND. 61 

Each Committee, except the Executive, shall make a report in 
writing to the Society, at the monthly business meetings, con- 
cerning the work of the past month. 

ARTICLE VII. — THE PRAYER-MEETING. 

1. All the Active Members shall be present at every meeting, 
unless detained for some reason they could conscientiously give 
to their Master, Jesus Christ, and shall take some part, however 
slight, in every meeting, if time permit. 

2. Once each month a Consecration or Experience Meeting 
shall be held, at which each Active Member shall speak concern- 
ing his progress in the Christian life, or renew his vows of conse- 
cration. If any one chooses, he can express his feelings by an 
appropriate verse of Scripture or other quotation. 

3. At each Consecration or Experience Meeting the roll shall 
be called, and the responses of the Active Members who are 
present, shall be considered as a renewed expression of alle- 
giance to Christ. 

4. If any Active Member of this Society is absent from this 
monthly meeting and fails to send an excuse, the Lookout Com- 
mittee is expected, in a brotherly spirit, to ascertain the reason 
of the absence. If any Active Member of the Society is abs-nt 
and unexcused for three consecutive monthly meetings, such a 
one ceases to be a member of the Society. 

ARTICLE VIII. — BUSINESS-MEETINGS AND ELECTIONS. 

1. Business-Meetings may be held at the close of the evening 
Prayer-Meeting, or at any other time on call of the President. 

2. An election of the Officers and Committees shall be held 
once in six months. Names may be proposed by a Nominating 
Committee appointed by the President. 

ARTICLE IX. — RELATION TO THE CHURCH. 

This Society being a part of the Church, the Pastor, Deacons, 
Elders and Sunday-school Superintendent shall be ex-officiis 
Honorary Members. 

ARTICLE X. — WITHDRAWALS. 

Any member who may wish to withdraw from the Society shall 
state the reasons in writing to the Lookout Committee and Pas- 



52 THE HELPING HAND. 

tor, and if these reasons seem sufficient, such person may be 
allowed to withdraw. 

ARTICLE XI. — AMENDMENTS. 

This Constitution may be changed or amended at any regular 
Business-Meeting, by a two-thirds vote of all members present, 
provided that notice of such amendment be given in writing, and 
recorded by the Secretary, one month before such amendment is 
acted upon. 



MODEL BYLAWS. 



ARTICLE I. 

This Society shall hold Prayer-Meetings on evening 

of each week, to continue one hour. The last regular Prayer- 
Meeting of the month shall be a Consecration meeting, at which 
the roll of Active and Associate Members shall be called. 

ARTICLE II. 

This Society shall hold its regular Business-Meeting in connec- 
tion with the first regular Prayer-Meeting in the month. Special 
Business-Meetings at the call of the President. 

ARTICLE III. 

1. The election of Officers and Committees shall be held at 
the first Business-Meeting in 

2. A Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the Presi- 
dent, of which the Pastor may be a member ex-officio. 

3. While members on the Board of Officers or Committees 
should be distributed as evenly as the good of the Society will 
warrant, these positions should not be considered places of honor 
to be striven for, but simply opportunities for increased useful- 
ness. When a member has been fairly elected, it is expected 
that he or she will consider the office a sacred trust, to be consci- 
entiously accepted and never to be declined except for most 
urgent and valid reasons. 



THE HELPING HAXD. 53 



ARTICLE IV. 

1. Applications for membership may be made on printed 
forms, supplied by the Lookout Committee, and returnable to 
them for consideration. 

2. Names may be proposed at the close of the Consecration 
meetings, and shall be voted on by the Society at the following 
Business-Meeting. The Lookout Committee may also, in order 
to satisfy itself of the Christian character of the candidate, pre- 
sent to all candidates for active membership, to be signed, the 
following : 

PLEDGE. 

Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for strength, I promise him that I will 
strive to do whatever he would like to have me do ; that I will make it the 
rule of my life to pray and to read the Bible every day, and to support my own 
church in every way, especially by attending all her regular and mid-week 
services, unless prevented by some reason which I can conscientiously give to 
my Saviour, and that, just so far as I know how, throughout my whole life, I 
will endeavor to lead a Christian life. 

As an Active Member I promise to be true to all my duties, to be present at 
and to take some part, aside from singing, in every Christian Endeavor 
Prayer-Meeting, unless hindered by some reason which I can conscientiously 
give to my Lord and Master. If obliged to be absent from the monthly 
consecration meeting of the Society I will, if possible, send at least a verse of 
Scripture to be read in response to my name at roll-call. 



Signed. 



ARTICLE V. 

Persons who have forfeited their membership may be re-admit- 
ted on the recommendation of the Lookout Committee and Pas- 
tor, and a two-thirds vote of the members present at any regular 
Business-Meeting . 

ARTICLE VI. 

New members shall sign the Constitution and By-Laws within 
four weeks from their election, to confirm the vote of the Society. 

ARTICLE VII. 

Any who cannot accept the office to wmich they may be elected, 
shall notify the President in writing before the next Business- 
Meeting, at which the vacancies shall be filled. 



54 THE HELPING HAND. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

Membership tickets may be furnished members of the Society 
and other suitable persons, admitting them to socials. 

ARTICLE IX. 

The Lookout Committee shall read the names of any who may 
cease to be members, and give the reason why their names should 
be taken from the list. 

article x. 

Letters of Introduction to other Christian Endeavor Societies 
shall be given to members in good standing, who may wish to 
become members of another Society. 

ARTICLE XI. 

Other Committees than those provided for in the Constitution, 
may be added, according to the needs of local Societies, with 
duties as follows : 

1. Sunday-School Committee.— It shall be the duty of this 
Committee to endeavor to bring into the Sunday-school those 
who do not attend elsewhere, and to cooperate with the Superin- 
tendent and officers of the school in any ways which they may 
suggest for the benefit of the Sunday-school. 

2. The Calling Committee.— It shall be the duty of this Com- 
mittee to have a special care for those among the young people 
who do not feel at home in the church, to call on them and to 
remind others where calls should be made. 

3. Music Committee. — It shall be the duty of this Committee 
to provide for the singing at the young people's meeting, and also 
to turn the musical ability of the Society into account, when nec- 
essary, at public religious meetings. 

4. Missionary Committee. — It shall be the duty of this Com- 
mittee to provide for occasional missionary meetings, to interest 
the members of the Society in missionary topics, and to aid in 
any manner which may seem practicable, the cause of home and 
foreign missions. 

5. Flower Committee. — It shall be the duty of this Commit- 
tee to provide flowers for the pulpit and to distribute them to the 
sick at the close of the Sunday services. 

6. Temperance Committee. — It shall be the duty of this 



THE HELPING HAND. 55 



Committee to do what may be deemed best to promote temper- 
ance principles and sentiment among the members of the Society. 

7. Relief Committee. — It shall be the duty of this Committee 
to do what it can to cheer and aid, if possible and necessary, by 
material comforts, the sick and destitute among the young people 
of the Church and Sunday-school. 

8. Good Literature Committee. — It shall be the duty of this 
Committee to do its utmost to promote the reading of good books 
and papers. To this end it shall do what it can to circulate relig- 
ious newspapers, representing the Society, among its members, 
also to obtain subscribers for the papers or magazines among the 
families of the congregation, as the Pastor and the Church may 
recommend. 

ARTICLE XII. 

Members who cannot meet with this Society for a time, are 
requested to obtain Leave of Absence, which will be granted by 
the Society on recommendation of the Lookout Committee and 
Pastor, and their names shall be placed on the Absent List. 

ARTICLE XIII. 

members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction 

of business. 

ARTICLE XIV. 

These By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the 
members present, provided that notice of such amendment be 
given in writing and recorded by the Secretary at least one week 
before the amendment is acted upon . 



II. JUNIOR SOCIETY. 

The preacher sought to find out acceptable words."— Eccl. 12:10. 



CONSTITUTION. 



ARTICLE I. — NAME. 

This Society shall be called the Junior Society of Christian 
Endeavor of . 



56 THE HELPING HAND. 

ARTICLE II. — OBJECT. 

Its object shall be to promote an earnest Christian life among 
the boys and girls who shall become members, and prepare them 
for the active service of Christ. 

ARTICLE III. — MEMBERS. 

Any boy or girl between the ages of seven and thirteen inclu- 
sive, who shall be approved b}^ the Superintendent and Assistant, 
may become a member of the Society by taking the following 
pledge : 

JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP PLEDGE. 

Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for strength, I promise him that I will 
strive to do whatever he would like to have me do ; that I will pray and read 
my Bible every day; and that, just so far as I know how, I will try to lead a 
Christian life. I will be present at every meeting of the Society when I can, 
and will take some part in every meeting. 

Name — 

I am willing that should sign this pledge, and 

will do all I can to help keep it. 

Parent's Name 

Residence 

ARTICLE IV. — OFFICERS. 

The officers of the Society shall be a Superintendent, Assistant 
Superintendent, Secretary and Treasurer. There shall also be a 
Lookout Committee, and such other Committees as may be 
needed. 

ARTICLE V. — DUTIES. 

1. The Superintendent and Assistant shall have charge of the 
work of the Society. 

2. The Secretary shall keep a record of the names of the mem- 
bers, and the minutes of the business meetings. 

3. The Treasurer shall safely keep all money belonging to the 
Society, and pay it out only as directed by the Society on recom- 
mendation of the Superintendent. 

4. The Lookout Committee shall bring new members into the 
Society, and affectionately look after any who may seem indiffer- 
ent to their pledge. 



THE HELPING HAND. 57 

ARTICLE VI. — ELECTION. 

The Superintendent and Assistant shall be appointed by the 
Pastor, subject to the approval of the officers of the Church. The 
other officers and Committees shall be nominated by the Super- 
intendent and Assistant, and elected by the Society. All officers 
shall be chosen once in six months. 

ARTICLE VII. — THE PRAYER-MEETING. 

A Prayer-Meeting shall be held once every week. A consecra- 
tion meeting shall be held once a month, at which the pledge 
shall be read and the roll called, and the responses of the mem- 
bers shall be considered a renewal of the pledge of the Society. 
If any member is absent from three consecutive consecration 
meetings without excuse, his name shall be dropped from the 
list of members. 

ARTICLE VIII. — INSTRUCTION. 

Part of the hour of the weekly meeting shall, if deemed best, 
be used by the Pastor or Superintendent of the Society for 
instruction, or for other exercises which they may approve. 



BY-LAWS, 



ARTICLE I. 

The Society shall hold a Prayer-Meeting on 

afternoon of each week. The last regular meeting of each month 
shall be a consecration meeting. 

ARTICLE II. 

The officers and committees shall be chosen in and 

and continue six months, beginning on the first of 

the month following their election. 

ARTICLE III. 

Special meetings of the Society may be held at any time, at the 
call of the Superintendent. 

' (Note. — Many Societies have a President and other Commit- 
tees chosen from among the boys and girls and by them, under 
the direction of the Superintendent. There are many advantages 
in placing just as much responsibility as possible upon the mem- 



58 THE HELPING HAND. 

bers, while they are at the same time judiciously led by some 
older person.) 



III. THE LOCAL UNION. 

"Hold fast to the form of sound words."— 2 Tim. 1:13. 



CONSTITUTION. 

ARTICLE I. — NAME. 

This Society shall be called the — —Christian Endeavor 

Union. 

ARTICLE II. — OBJECT. 

The object of the Society shall be to stimulate the interest in 

Young People's Societies of Christian Endeavor in— — — and 

vicinity, to increase their mutual acquaintance and to make them 
more useful in the service of God. 

ARTICLE III. — MEMBERSHIP. 

Any Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor in 



and vicinity whose Constitution in its aims and Prayer-Meeting 
obligations conforms generally in spirit to the "Model Constitu- 
tion" may join this Society by notifying the Secretary. 

ARTICLE IV. -—OFFICERS. 

The officers shall be a President, Vice-President and Secretary 
and Treasurer. The President, Vice-President and Secretary 
and Treasurer shall be selected from Active Members and to 
serve one year, remaining in office until their successors are 
elected. All the Presidents of the Y. P. S. C. E. forming this 
Union shall "be Vice-Presidents of this Society. The President, 
Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer shall constitute an 
Executive Committee to provide for the general interests of the 
Union. 

ARTICLE V.— DUTIES. 

The duties of the President, Vice-President, Secretary and 
Treasurer shall be the duties usually pertaining to these offices. 

ARTICLE VI. — MEETINGS. 

This Society shall hold meetings at such times and places as 



THE HELPING HAND. 59 

may be determined by the Executive Committee. The President 
may call special meetings of the Executive Committee when he 
may deem it necessary. 

ARTICLE VII. — AMENDMENTS. 

This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of all 
the Active Members present at any regular meeting, the amend- 
ment having been submitted in writing, and notice having been 
given at least four weeks before action is taken. 



IV. THE STATE ASSOCIATION. 

"The words of the wise are as nails fastened by the master of assemblies." 

—Eccl. 12:11. 



CONSTITUTION. 



ARTICLE I. — NAME. 

The name of this Society shall be The -Christian Endeavor 

Association. 

ARTICLE II. — OBJECT. 

The object of this Association shall be to stimulate an interest 
in Young People's Societies of Christian Endeavor and in Local 
Unions of the same, in this State, and promote their efficiency as 
factors in Christian life and Church work by bringing them into 
closer relations with each other, through conferences, reports and 
correspondence. 

ARTICLE III. — MEMBERS. 

Any Young People's Society of " Christian Endeavor,' 7 
so-called, in this State, whose Constitution, in its aims and in its 
Prayer-Meeting obligations, conforms substantially in spirit to 
what is known as "The Model Constitution,'' may join in this 
Association on its own vote to do so, communicated in writing to 
the Secretary of this Association, and approved by its Executive 
Committee. The members of any Society belonging to this Asso- 
ciation will be entitled to all its privileges. 



60 THE HELPING HAXD. 

ARTICLE IV. — OFFICERS. 

The officers of this Association shall be a President, three Vice- 
Presidents, and a Secretary, who shall also act as Treasurer; 
whose duties shall be those usually belonging to such officers; 
and who, with the Presidents of the several Local Unions in this 
State and other persons as the Association may elect, shall con- 
stitute an Executive Committee having charge of all business not 
otherwise provided for. The officers and the elected members 
of the Executive Committee shall be chosen at each annual con- 
ference, and shall begin their terms of service at the close of the 
conference at which they were elected. 

ARTICLE V. — MEETINGS. 

The Executive Committee shall arrange for an annual confer- 
ence of this Association in ■ — or ■ — of each year, and 

may arrange for other meetings of the Associations or of a part 
of it as they shall think best. 

ARTICLE VI. — FINANCE. 

At each conference a Finance Committee shall be appointed, 
who shall audit the accounts of the Treasurer and report thereon ; 
and who, with the Treasurer, may, if necessary, present to the 
Association for its consideration some plan for raising funds for 
current expenses. 

ARTICLE VII. — AMENDMENTS. 

This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote at any 
meeting of the Association, provided notice of the proposed 
amendment was inserted in the call for that meeting, or was 
given at a previous meeting. 



V. COVENANTS. 

"Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them."— Jer. 11:6. 



L Application for Membership. 

189.. 

I, , having carefully 

examined the Constitution of the Young People's Society of 
Christian Endeavor, would be pleased to join the Society con- 



THE HELPING HAND. 61 

nected with the Church, 

as Member, and I do hereby 

agree, with God's help, to try to live up to its requirements. 

Name, 

Address, 



II. Associate Member's Pledge. 



As an Associate Member I promise to attend the Prayer-Meet- 
ings of the Society habitually, and declare my willingness to do 
what I may be called upon to do as an Associate Member to 
advance the interests of the Society. 

Name, 

Residence, 



III. Junior Member's Pledge. 

Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for strength, I promise him 
that I will strive to do whatever he would like to have me do ; 
that I will pray and read the Bible every day ; and that, just so 
far as I know how, I will try to lead a Christian life. I will be 
present at every meeting of the Society when I can, and will take 
some part in every meeting. 

Name, 

I am willing that should sign 

this pledge, and will do all I can to help keep it. 

Parent's Name, 

Besidence 



IV. Active Member's Pledge. 



Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for strength, I promise him 
that I will strive to do whatever he would like to have me do ; 
that I will make it the rule of my life to pray and to read the 
Bible every day, and to support my own church in every way, 
especially by attending all her regular Sunday and mid-week 
services, unless prevented by some reason which I can conscien- 
tiously give to my Saviour, and that, just so far as I know how, 



62 THE HELPING HAND, 

throughout my whole life, I will endeavor to lead a Christian 
life. As an Active Member I promise to be true to all my duties, 
to be present at and to take some part, aside from singing, in 
every Christian Endeavor Prayer-Meeting, unless hindered by 
some reason which I can conscientiously give to my Lord and 
Master. If obliged to be absent from the monthly consecration- 
meeting of the Society I will, if possible, send at least a verse of 
Scripture to be read in response to my name at the roll-call. 

Signed, 

Besidence, , 

Date, 



Our Vows. 

Ye men and angels, witness now— 

Before the Lord we speak, 
To him we make our solemn vow, 

A vow we dare not break : 

That, long as life itself shall last, 
Ourselves to Christ we yield ; 

Nor from his cause will we depart, 
Or ever quit the field. 

We trust not in our native strength, 

But on his grace rely ; 
May he, with our returning wants, 

All needful aid supply! 

Guide thou, O Lord! our feet aright, 

And keep us in thy ways ; 
And while We turn our vows to prayers, 

Turn thou our prayers to praise. 



VI. INVITATIONS. 

"Come thou with us, and vre will do thee good."— Num. 10:29. 

I. To the Church-Services. 



Dear Friend : — In the name of our Master and the minister 

and officials of the 

Church, we respectfully invite you to attend any of the services 



THE HELPING HAND. 63 

whenever it may suit your convenience, and beg to assure you of 
a most hearty welcome. Sunday Services: Public worship at 

a. m., and p. m. ; Sunday-school at 

m. ; Y. P. S. C. E. Prayer-Meeting at p. m. Mid-week 

Service, evening at o'clock. 

Respectfully Yours, 

The Lookout Committee, 

Y. P. S. C. E. 



II. To the Y. P. S. C. E. Meeting. 

Dear Friend : — We should be much pleased to have you attend 
the Prayer-Meeting of the Young People's Society of Christian 

Endeavor connected with the 

Church, which meets in every Sunday 

at p. m. We are endeavoring to the best of our ability 

to do the Master's work, and we shall all feel encouraged by 
your presence and help. 

Sincerely Yours, 

The Lookout Committee. 



(Form 1 . ) 

III. To the Sunday-School. 



Dear Friend : — Being desirous of increasing the Sunday-school 

connected with the Church, 

and not finding your name on its rolls, we most cordially invite 
you to become a member, trusting that you will find much enjoy- 
ment in attending, and knowing that your influence will be of 
great assistance in promoting our success. The school meets at 

o'clock, M. 

Truly Yours, 
Sunday-School Committee, 

Y. P. S. C. E. 



(Form 2.) 

IV. To the Sunday-School 



Dear Friends : — If your children are not attending regularly 
elsewhere, we most earnestly invite you to allow them to become 



64 THE HELPING HAND. 

members of the school connected with the 

Church, which meets at o'clock, m. We can assure 

you they will be heartily welcomed by our beloved Superintend- 
ent and teachers, and that no pains will be spared to make the 
school profitable and helpful to them. 

Eespectfully Yours, 
The Sunday-School Committee, 

Y. P. S. C. E. 



V. To the Social. 



Dear Friend : — The Y. P. S. C. E. connected with the 

will give a Social at 

on evening 

at o'clock, to which you are 

most cordially invited. If you should favor us with your pres- 
ence we shall endeavor to make it pleasant for you, as we doubt 
not it will be for the Society. 

Eespectfully Yours, 

The Social Committee, 



Welcome. 

Kindred in Christ, for his dear sake, 
A hearty welcome here receive ; 

May we together now partake 
The joys which only he can give! 

Once more our welcome we repeat, 
Receive assurance of our love ; 

Oh, may we all together meet 
Around the throne of God above! 



VII. REMINDERS. 

"When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack 

to pay it, for the Lord thy God will surely require it of 

thee."— Deut. 23:21. 



I. To a Non-Participant. 



Dear Friend: — We have not heard your voice lately in the 



THE HELPING HAND. 65 

Prayer-Meeting of our Y. P. S. C. E., which we have all solemnly 
pledged ourselves not only to attend, but also to actively partici- 
pate in its services. Will you not be one of the first to take part 
in the next meeting, and will you not join us in our prayer to 
God for his blessings upon our Church and Society, in all their 

activities? 

Fraternally Yours, 

The Prayer-Meeting Committee. 



II. To an Absentee, 



Dear Friend : — The strength of our Society lies in the volun- 
tary covenant which we have each assumed, and this is based 
upon these words of our Constitution : 

1. All the Active Members of the Society shall be present at every meeting, 
unless detained by some absolute necessity, and each one shall take some part, 
however slight, in every meeting. 

2. Once each month a consecration-meeting shall be held, at which each 
member shall speak concerning his progress in the Christian life. 

3. If any member of the Society is absent from the monthly consecration- 
meeting, and fails to send an excuse, the Lookout Committee is expected to 
take the name of such an one, and, in a kindly and brotherly spirit, ascertain 
the reason for the absence. 

In the kindliest spirit of brotherly love we send you this card 
to remind you that we did not hear your voice at our last monthly 
meeting. We were sorry to notice your absence, and hope you 
will be with us at each succeeding meeting. 

Our next Roll-call will occur on and 

we hope you will be present or send an excuse. 

Yours for Christian Endeavor, 

The Lookout Committee. 



(5) 



The Wanderer's Return. 

Weary of wandering from my God, 
And now made willing to return, 

I hear, and bow beneath the rod, 
For thee, for thee alone, I mourn. 

Thou knowest the way to bring me back, 

My fallen spirit to restore ; 
Oh, for thy truth and mercy's sake, 

Forgive, and bid me sin no more! 



66 THE HELPING HAND, 



VIII. COMMENDATION. 

The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from 
another."— Gen. 31:49. 



I. For a Traveling Member, 



The bearer of this, , is a 

most worthy member of the Young People's Society of Christian 

Endeavor, connected with the Church 

at , and we take 

pleasure in commending to the confidence and Christian 

fellowship of all Endeavorers wherever lot may be cast. 

Fraternally, 

President. ( 

Eecording Secretary. 



II. For a Retiring Member. 



The bearer of this, , has 

been an member of the Young 

People's Society of Christian Endeavor connected with the 

Church at 

We take pleasure introducing and commending to the 

Society wherever this letter may be presented, trusting that 

may become a useful member of the same, and that the 

acquaintance thus made will be the means of still further advanc- 
ing the Endeavor Idea: "For Christ and the Church." 

Fraternally, 
, President. 

. . . Eecording Secretary. 



Mizpah. 

May God, from his high throne above, 
Between us watch while we're apart ; 

Guide us, and keep us in his love, 
And make us of one mind and heart! 



Y. P. S. C. E. SUPPLIES. 



In the following pages will be found Descriptions and Price- 
Lists of the various helps necessary for carrying on successfully 
the work of the Y. P. S. C. E. in all its various departments. 
They embrace 



Bibles, 
Badges, 
Manuals, 
Magazines, 
Music Books, 



Concert Services, 

Commentaries, 

Readings, 

Recitations, 

Registers, 



Roll-Books, 
Libraries, 
Topic Cards, 
Lesson Books, 
Quarterlies, Etc, 



Only the very best of each class have been selected, and these 
are offered at the lowest possible prices. 



Address CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING CO., St. Louis, Mo. 

(67) 



Our Young Folks. 



W. W. DOWLING, Editor. 



"That our Sons may be Plants grown up in their youth; that our Daughters 
may be as Corner-stones, polished after the similitude of a Palace. — Ps.l34:12. 

Our Young Folks is a wide double-column, Semi -Monthly Illustrated 
Magazine, printed on fine paper, and neatly bound in a handsome cover. It 
is devoted to the welfare and work of our Young People, giving special 
attention to the following interests: 

I. THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL. 

In this department are found Explanatory and Illustrative Notes on the 
International Texts, as aids m the study, preparation and application of the 
lesson, with practical articles on organizing, managing and teaching. 

II. THE CHURCH. 

Under this head are given, in the way of brief essays, Outlines, Sermonettes 
and Bible Readings, expositions of First Principles and Practical Christian 
Duties, with a view to interesting the Young Folks in all departments of 
Church Work, and promoting their growth in grace and in the knowledge of 
the Lord Jesus Christ. ■ 

III. THE HOME CIRCLE. 

Here are found fireside talks and familiar chats about books, music, amuse- 
ments and kindred topics, together with such other reading as will have a 
tendency to make our Young People wiser, happier and better. 

IV. YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR. 

This department, which is the most prominent feature of the Magazine, 
contains Expository notes on the Prayer-Meeting Topics for each week; 
Outlines of work, and helps and suggestions for the various Committees; 
plans for organization; pledges; queries and answers and reports from the 
field, together with sketches, poems and serial and shorter stories, such as 
will help and encourage the young who are "endeavoring" to do great things 
for the Lord. 



TERMS. 

One Copy one year 75 cents 

In clubs of five — 65 cents each. 

In clubs of ten 60 cents each. 

In clubs of 25 or more to one address — 50 cents each. 

CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING COMPANY, St. Louis, Mo. 



The Helping Hand, 



By W. W. DOWLING. 



5 Whereby, when you read, ye may understand my knowledge in 
the mystery of Christ."— Eph. 3: 4. 



WHAT IT IS. 

The Helping Hand is a Manual of Instruction for the Y. P. S. C. E., that 
great Movement of the Century that is putting new life into our churches, by 
interesting the young, causing them to flock to the Lord's house " as doves to 
the windows," and engaging them earnestly in his blessed work. 

WHAT IT CONTAINS. 
The Helping Hand contains in the most condensed form full informa- 
tion concerning the Y. P. S. C. E. movement, with instructions and suggestions 
concerning every point. The following is a summary of its contents: 

I. The Y. P. S. C. E. Movement.— Under this head is discussed the 
Name, Nature, Object and History, giving information that all ought to 
possess. 

II. The Y. P. S. C. E. Organism.— Here is told the way to begin a 
society ; the different classes of members who may be admitted to it, and the 
officers necessary to conduct it. 

III. The Y. P. S. C. E. Meeting's.— Under this head is pointed out the 
various meetings authorized, with suitable services for each. 

IV. The Y. P. S. C. E. Fraternity.— Herein is information given con- 
cerning the Local Society, the Local Union, the State Association, and the 
United Society, and the relation between them. 

V. The Y. P. S. C. E. Requisites.— Under this head is pointed out the 
various helps and appliances needed by the Y, P. S. C. E. to do the best work. 

VI. The Y. P. S. C. E. Formulae.— In this department are given the 
Constitution and By-Laws of the Society; Constitution of the Junior Society; 
the Local Union and State Association ; Covenants; Invitations; Reminders, 
and Letters of Commendation. 

WHO SHOULD READ IT. 

1. All members of the Society, that they may the better understand their 
obligations. 2. All who are interested in and approve of the work the Society 
seeks to do, that they may the better help it along. 3. All persons opposed to 
the movement and who wish to put it down, that they may know exactly what 
it is they are fighting. 

PRICE. 

Bound in Flexible Cloth, single copy, 25 cents ; per dozen, $2.40. 

CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING COMPANY, St. Louis, Mo. 



THE CHRISTIAN PSALTER 



BY W. W. DOWLING. 



« O Magnify the L.ord with Me, and let us Exalt His Name 
Together."— Psalm 34 : 3. 



ITS CONTENTS. 

The Christian Psalter is a Manual of Devotion, containing many of the 
choicest gems of Sacred Scripture, selected from the Psalms and other 
Poetical Books of the Old Testament, as well as from the Gospels 
and Epistles of the New, classified and arranged under appropri- 
ate headings for responsive reading by the Minister and 
Congregation, in the Public Worship, and for the Opening 
Services of the Y. P. S. C. E. Prayer-meetings. 



ITS RECEPTION. 

The Christian Psalter has been but comparatively a short time before 
the public, yet it has already been introduced and is regularly used in 
many of the most prominent Churches of the land with the most gratify- 
ing results. Among the many ministers who have highly commended it 
are the following: 



O. A. BARTHOLOMEW, St. Louis,Mo 

T. P. HALEY, Kansas City, Mo. 

JOHN A. BROOKS, Kansas City, Mo. 

M. M. GOODE, St. Joseph, Mo. 

M. M. DAVIS, Dallas, Tex. 

Pres. D. R. DUNGAN, Lincoln,Neb. 

J. W. MONSER, Columbia, Mo. 

Pres. C. L. LOOS, Lexington, Ky. 

A. WILCOX, Cleveland, O. 

W. F. RICHARDSON, Alleghany, Pa. 

F. M. GREEN, Kent, O. 

R. MOFFETT, Cleveland, O. 

W. W. HOPKINS, St. Louis, Mo. 



B. B. TYLER, New York City. 

J. H. GARRISON, St. Louis, Mo. 

C. B. NEWNAN, Lincoln, Neb. 

L. L. CARPENTER, Wabash, Ind. 
F. W. ALLEN, Fulton, Mo. 
S. B. MOORE, Jacksonville, 111. 
T. W. GRAFTON, Rock Island, 111. 
J. G. WAGGONER, Eureka, 111. 

A. L. ORCUTT, New Castle, Ind. 

B. J. PINKERTON, St. Louis, Mo. 
J. H. FOY, Columbia, Mo. 

B. L. SMITH, Topeka, Kan. 

F. G. TYRRELL, St. Louis, Mo. 



PRICES. 

Cloth, Red Edges, single copy, $ .50 I Boards, Red Edges, single copy, $ .30 
" " " per dozen, 4.50 | " " " per dozen, 3.00 

Flexible Morocco, per copy, $1.25. 

CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING COMPANY, St. Louis, Mo. 



THE BIBLE HAND-BOOK 

By W. W. DOWLESTG. 



"Thou shalt guide me by thy counsel."— Psa. 63:24. 



The Bible Hand-Book is an Aid in the study of the Word of God, and a 
Guide to its Treasures of Wisdom. The book is designed for private pupils 
and classes, for members of the Y. P. S. C. E., and for use in the Sunday- 
school, not in place of the regular International Lesson, but in connection 
with it as a series of Supplemental Lessons. 

CONTENTS. 

The Book consists of two parts: Part I. relating to the Old Testament, and 
Part II. to the New Testament. The various books of each department are 
classified according to their subject-matter, and then each taken up and ana- 
lyzed in its proper order, and its contents arranged, under suitable and sug- 
gestive headings, into lessons of convenient length for study and recitation. 
A Supplemental Section, in each department, contains many valuable tables 
and much historical and geographical information, gathered from various 
sources, being the substance of many large works, which are not usually in 
possession of those for whom this book has been especially prepared. 

FOR SUNDAY-SCHOOL USE. 

For use in the Sunday-school the lessons may be taken up in the order in 
which they occur in the book, or they may be selected from any part of it, as 
may be deemed best, and should be thoroughly studied at home. The teacher 
may devote a few moments in the class to its consideration, but the principal 
recitation is to be conducted by the superintendent, or some other suitable 
person, with the whole school as a class, after the conclusion of the regular 
lesson for the day. It will be found on trial that this General Supplemental 
Lesson will not detract from, but rather greatly add to, the interest of the 
regular studies of the school. 



The Bible Hand -Book has been highly commended by our most eminent 
scholars, ministers and teachers, as well as by the Religious press of various 
denominations, and has been introduced as a text-book in leading schools 
and colleges. 

PRICE. 
Per Copy, by Mail, In Boards, 75 Cents; In Cloth, $1.00. 

CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING COMPANY, St. Louis, Mo. 



MISCELLANEOUS WORKS. 

By W. W. DOWLING. 



THE GUIDE BOOK. 



The Guide Book is a Manual for Sunday-school Workers in Organizing, 
Managing and Teaching. 

CONTENTS, 

The Guide Book aims to lead to a better understanding of the mission of 
the Sunday-school; awaken a deeper interest in it among the members of the 
Church at large; assist in the work of Organization, Management and In- 
struction, and encourage the busy workers, in view of past successes and 
future prospects and rewards. The book is written in plain and simple style, 
and presents the work under various Heads, Divisions and Sub-divisions, so 
that the busiest worker may readily find the information which he seeks. 
Though a small volume, its statements and expositions are so condensed that 
it covers the whole ground. 

The Guide Book is regarded as " an authority" on all questions pertain- 
ing to the Sunday-school work, and is extensively used as a text-book in 
Institutes and Normal Classes. 

PRICE. 

Bound in Flexible Cloth, single copy, 25 cents ; per dozen, $2.40. 



THE CHORAL FESTIVAL. 

The Choral Festival is a book of Concert Services and Class Exercises 
and Recitations, for Sunday-schools and Young People's Societies. Among 
its Carol Services are those prepared expressly for Christmas, Easter, Thanks- 
giving, Children's Day, and other anniversary occasions. 160 double-column 
8vo pages. Beautifully printed on good quality of paper. 

PRICE. 

Boards, single copy, prepaid .... $ .50 

Per dozen, not prepaid - - 4.80 



BIBLE READINGS. 

This Book of Bible Readings is designed for use in the Prayer-meeting, the 
Young People's Society, and in the Social Meetings on the Lord's day, in the 
absence of the Minister. The list of readings is very extensive, covering a 
great variety of themes, and affording something suitable for almost any 
occasion. Many of the best known and ablest preachers and teachers of 
the Church have contributed to its pages. {In preparation.) 

CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING COMPANY, St. Louis, Mo. 



SOCIETY REQUISITES. 



The following articles are essential to good work, and should be had by 
every Society as soon as possible. 

RECORDS. 

Secretary's Membership Record. Per copy, by mail .$1 50 

Secretary's Roll-Call Book. Per copy, by mail.. 35 

Systematic Record Book for Committees. Per copy, by mail 50 

Treasurer's Book, with Supplement for Monthly Offering Account. 
Per copy 50 

BADGES. 

The National Christian Endeavor Badge is worn by thousands in all parts 
of the country. Every member should have one. 

PRICES: 

Scarf or Catch-Pin.— Solid Gold (Extra Heavy), $1.00; Solid Gold (Light), 
75 cents; Coin Silver, 25 cents. 

Button for Lapel of Coat.— Solid Gold Face (Extra Heavy), $1.25; Coin 
Silver (Extra Heavy), 50 cents. 

Charm.— Solid Gold (Extra Heavy), $1.50; Coin Silver (Extra Heavy), 35 
cents. 

Junior Badgres with a different design are also offered, made only with 
a catch-pin. The prices of these are as follows: Solid Gold, $1.00; Solid Coin 
Silver, 25 cents ; German Silver, 15 cents. 

BLANKS. 

The following Blanks are very useful in conducting the work of the Society: 

Application Membership Blanks. Per hundred $ 50 

Active Membership Pledge. Plain, per hundred 50 

" " " Gilt Bevel Edge, per hundred 2 00 

Associate Membership Pledge. Plain, per hundred 50 

" " " Gilt Bevel Edge, per hundred 2 00 

Junior Membership Pledge. Plain, per hundred 50 

" " " Gilt Bevel Edge, per hundred. ., 2 00 

Invitation Cards to Church-Service, Y. P. S. C. E. Prayer-Meeting, 

Sunday-School or Social. Plain, per hundred 50 

Gilt Bevel Edge, per hundred 2 00 

Reminders to Non-Participants or Absentees. Plain, per hundred 50 

Gilt Bevel Edge, per hundred , 2 00 

Cards of Commendation for either Traveling or Ketiring Members, 

Plain, per dozen 25 

TOPIC CARDS. • 

Topics for one year on Card-board. Per hundred $1 00 

Daily Readings for one year. Per hundred 1 50 

Special Society Topic Cards, for six months, with name of Society, Offi- 
cers and Leaders, varying in price from $2.00 to $4.00 per hundred, according 
to quality of card and amount of printing. Specimens and prices sent on 
application. 

Address, CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING CO., St. Louis, Mo. 



MUSIC BOOKS. 

THE CHRISTIAN HYMNAL. 

This is the authorized Hymnal of the Church and commends itself on this 
account, as well as on account of its worth. 

Standard Edition. 

Cloth, red edges, per copy, by mail, postpaid $ 75 

Per dozen, by express, not prepaid 7 50 

Popular Edition. 

Boards, single copy, by mail, postpaid , .. $ 50 

Per dozen, by express, not prepaid. 4 80 

Per hundred, by express, not prepaid 40 00 

Cheap Edition. 
Printed on thin paper with narrow margin. 

Single copy, by mail, postpaid $ 30 

Per dozen, by express, not prepaid 3 00 

Per hundred, by express, not prepaid 25 00 



SUNDAY-SCHOOL HYMNAL. 

Every piece a gem ! No dry and useless stuff ! All the best writers and 
composers are represented in its pages. 

Cheap Popular Edition. 

Boards, single copy, by mail $ 30 

Per dozen, by express, not prepaid 3 00 

Per hundred, by express, not prepaid 25 00 

Fine Edition. 

Silk cloth, red edge, single copy $ 40 

Per dozen, by express, not prepaid ; 4 00 

Morocco, gilt edge, single copy, not prepaid 2 00 



MISCELLANEOUS WORKS. 

Lovingr Voices, by R. G. Staples. This book contains 192 pages, and in 
variety, quality and adaptation of its music to the various needs of 
a Sunday-school, it is unsurpassed by any modern Sunday-school 
Music Book. Christmas Songs, Easter Songs, Anniversary Songs, 
Temperance Songs, etc., will all be found in this collection. Some 
choice Solos add much to the value of this new book. Single copy 
30 cents ; per dozen by express $ 3 00 

New Fount of Blessing's, by R. G. Staples. A book of 192 pages of 
choice words and music adapted to Sunday-schools, prayer and 
praise meetings, etc. Per copy, 35 cents ; per dozen 3 60 

Gospel Hymns No. 5, by Sankey, McGranaham & Stebbins. Con- 
ceded to be one of the best song books in existence for Religious Work 
and Prayer Meetings. 234 Songs with music ; per hundred 30 00 

Select Songs, by F. N. Peloubet, D. D. 344. Hymns and Tunes, chosen 
for use where only one book is desired for the prayer meeting, 
Sunday-school, and Y. P. S. C. E. Firmly bound in cloth; per 
hundred copies — 40 00 

"Winnowed Song's, by Ira D. Sankey. The banner Sunday-school 

song book of the year. 257 songs ; per hundred. 35 00 



A NEW BOOK. 

We have in preparation a new music book for use in the praise-service, the 
Sunday-school and the Y. P. S. C. E., that will contain the choicest gems of 
song, both new and old, gathered from all quarters. Inquiries concerning it 
will be promptly answered. 

CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING COMPANY, St. Louis. Mo. 



THE PEOPLE'S NEW TESTAMENT 

By B. W. JOHNSON. 



This Commentary consists of Two Volumes, the First embracing- 
the Four Gospels and the Acts, and the Second the Epistles 
and Book of Revelation. 



ITS CHARACTER, 

This Important Work has been prepared in order to meet a general wish for 
a New Testament with Notes, copious enough to make clear the meaning of 
every difficult passage ; simple enough to be understood by the plainest reader, 
and yet concise enough to bring the whole Commentary within the moderate 
compass of two 8vo volumes and within the reach of every home. It is 
believed that this work with its two Versions, Maps, References, Table of 
Parallel Passages, Index of Subjects, Geographical, Historical, and Explana- 
tory Notes, combines everything needful to enable the earnest student and the 
family circle to understand every portion of the New Testament. In these two 
volumes the author has condensed the gleanings of costly libraries and the 
study of many years, and we are confident that the work will be found one of 
the most valuable aids to New Testament study ever issued in popular form. 

ITS AUTHOR. 

Probably no one could be named in the Christian Church, so well fitted for 
the task of preparation, in all respects, as B. W. Johnson. His reputation as 
a Biblical scholar is too well known to require a word. His life has been de- 
voted to Bible study, and his work for years has been the preparation of Bible 
notes. Scholarly, studious, full of reverence for the Bible, devout, with emi- 
nent power of clear, strong expression in the fewest possible words, conspicu- 
ous for his knowledge of the history, geography, and customs of Bible times, 
and also for his insight into the deep spiritual meaning of the sacred text, he 
presents a rare combination of qualities for this work. 

For years it has been his cherished purpose to prepare a People's New 
Testament with Notes, and he has condensed into the work the richest fruits 
of the study of a lifetime. For family reading, study and devotions, for the 
Sunday-school teacher, for a general understanding of the New Testament, 
and for Christian people of every class, we confidently commend this as the 
most valuable work of the kind ever published at the cost. 

PRICES. 

Per volume, Cloth $2 00 

Sheep . — 2 75 

Half Morocco ... 3 00 

AGENTS WANTED 

Address, CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING CO., St. Louis, Mo. 



THE Y. P. S. C. E. LIBRARY. 



The following books are worthy of a place in every Society Library, and 
may be read with profit by every Christian Endeavorer : 

Young" People's Prayer-Meeting's, by Dr. F. E. Clark $ 75 

Children and the Church, by Dr. F. E. Clark. 75 

Mossback Correspondence, by Dr. F. E. Clark 1 00 

Chrissy's Endeavor, by " Pansy ". l 50 

Attractive Truths in Lesson and Story (for Junior Societies), by 

Mrs. A. M. Scudder , 1 25 

Danger Sigrnals, by Dr. F. E. Clark , 75 

Our Town, by Margaret Sidney '. 1 25 

Aids to Endeavor, arranged by Dr. F, E. Clark. -....;... 75 

Dr. Carl Brown, by Mrs. M. F. Miles. Cloth 1 25 

On the Rock, by D. K. Dungan. This is a story of a struggle after the 

Truth as it is in Christ. Cloth 1 50 

Paul Darst ; or the Conflict between Love and Infidelity, by D. R. Lucas. 

Cloth 100 

Riverside ; or Winning a Soul, by Mrs. Marie R. Butler. Cloth 75 

Walks about Jerusalem ; a search after the Landmarks of Primitive 

Christianity, by Isaac Errett. Cloth. .... , 1 00 

Talks to Bereans ; a series of Short Sermons to those who love and 

believe the Scriptures, by Isaac Errett. Cloth. ....,,.. . 1 00 

Edna Carlisle ; a story calculated to inculcate temperance principles, 

by Mrs. C. M. Doyle. Cloth • 1 50 

Earnest Leignton ; a thrilling story illustrating the workings of the 

Roman Catholic Religion, by Prof. A. F. Smith. Cloth 1 25 

The Nearest Duty ; being a Record of the Organization and Workings 
of the Octave Club, by Paul Carson. (First published as a Serial in 

"Our Young Folks"). Cloth 75 

The Heavenward Way ; a series of Addresses to Young Christians, 
with incentives and suggestions for spiritual growth, by J. H. Gar- 
rison. Cloth ... 50 

My Life an Open Book, by G. C. Mullins, dedicated to the memory of 
the late Berty G-. Stover, the eloquent boy-preacher. Cloth; gilt 

side stamp, $1.50 ; half Morocco 2 50 

Vision of the Agres, a series of Lectures on the Apocalypse, by B. W. 

Johnson. . . ^ 1 25 

Alone with God ; a series of Meditations, with forms of Prayer, for 
Private Devotions, Family Worship and Special Occasions, by J. H. 
Garrison. While this book will be helpful to every minister, church 
official, and Sunday-school superintendent, as well as every private 
member of the church of all ages, it is particularly well adapted to 
the wants of members of the Y. P. S. C. E. It has models of prayer, 
suitable for the service of the prayer-meeting, while its suggestions, 
meditations and instructions are pre-eminently calculated to be of 
service in preparation for the solemn duties that rest upon the Active 
Members. Cloth 75 

CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING COMPANY, St. Louis, Mo. 



Bible Lesson Books 



We annually prepare and publish a complete series of books on the Inter- 
national Sunday-school Lessons, designed to meet the wants of every depart- 
ment from the lowest to the highest. The series consists of the following: 

I. THE LESSON PRIMER. 

BY W. W. DOWLING. 

A Book of Easy Lessons for the Little Learners of the Primary Classes, in 
Simple Stories, mostly in words of one syllable, Plain Questions and Answers, 
Sweet Hymns and Pretty Pictures. 

Price.— Single copy (prepaid), 20 cts; per dozen, by express (not prepaid), 

$1.80. 

II. THE LESSON MENTOR. 

BY W. W. DOWLING. 

An Aid for the Junior Classes, containing the Scripture Text, Lesson Story, 
Lesson Lights, Lesson Pictures, Lesson Words to be spelled and defined, 
Lesson Questions, Lesson Thoughts and Suggestions for Home Study and 
Work. 

Price.— Single copy (prepaid), 25 cents; per dozen (not prepaid), $2.40. 
III. THE LESSON HELPER. 

BY W. W. DOWLING. 

An Aid for the Senior Classes, containing carefully selected Daily Headings, 
Geographical, Biographical and Chronological Notes, Lesson Summary, 
Lesson Outline, Lesson Comments, Lesson Questions and Lesson Thoughts, 
with Practical Suggestions for Home Study and Work. The Book also con- 
tains an Order of Service and Attendance Record for both Sunday-school and 
Church, for each quarter, special Missionary and Temperance Lessons and 
Colored Maps and Charts. 

Price.— Single copy (prepaid), 25 cents; per dozen (not prepaid), $2.40. 

IV. THE LESSON COMMENTARY. 

BY B. W. JOHNSON. 

A Book for Advanced Pupils and Teachers, containing a careful Analysis 
of each Lesson, with Introductory, Geographical and copious Explanatory 
Notes. The Text is printed in both the Common and Revised Versions, for 
the purpose of comparison, in parallel columns. The volume contains new 
Colored Maps, made expressly for this work, and many special Engravings. 

The author's reputation as a Biblical scholar is too well known to require a 
word. His life has been devoted to Bible study. Scholarly, studious, devout, 
and possessing a wonderful power of clear, strong expression in the fewest 
possible words, conspicuous for his knowledge of the history, geography and, 
customs of Bible times, and also for his insight into the deep spiritual mean- 
ing of the sacred text, he presents a rare combination of qualifications for 
this work. 

Price.— Single copy, cloth (prepaid), $1.00; per dozen (not prepaid), $9.00. 

CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING COMPANY, St. Louis, Mo. 



ILLUSTRATED PAPERS. 



OUR YOUNG FOLKS. 

W. W. DOWLING, Editor. 
OUR Young Folks is a wide, donble-column Illustrated Semi-monthly 
Magazine, printed on fine paper, and neatly bound in a handsome cover. 
It is devoted to the welfare and work of our Young People, giving special 
attention to the Sunday-school and the Young People's Society of Christian 
Endeavor. It contains wood-cuts and Biographical Sketches of prominent 
workers; Notes on the Sunday-school Lessons, and Endeavor Prayer Meet- 
ing Topics for each week; Outlines of Work; Suggestions for the Commit- 
tees; Helps for Study and Teaching; Practical Articles on the Vari- 
ous Phases of Church Work; Queries and Answers; Notes from the Field, 
together with Sketches, Poems, and Serial and Shorter Stories, such as will 
help and encourage the Young who are "endeavoring to do great things for 

the Lord." 

TERMS. 

One Copy, one year, 75 cents. 

In Clubs of five', . 65 " each. 

In Clubs of ten, 60 " 

In Clubs of 25 or more to one address, 50 " " 

Sample copies of Ouk Young Folks will be sent free to any address. 



THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL EVANGELIST. 

W- W- DOWLING, Editor. 

The S. S. Evangelist is a paper for the Sunday-school and Family, of 
varied and attractive contents, embracing Serial and Shorter Stories; 
Sketches ; Incidents of Travel ; Poetry ; Field Notes ; Lesson Talks ; Tangled 
Threads, and Letters from the Children, printed from clear type, on fine 
calendered paper, and profusely illustrated with new and beautiful en- 
gravings. 

TERMS.— Weekly, in clubs of not less than ten copies to one address, 
40 cents a copy per year, or 10 cents per quarter. 

Monthly Magazine, made up of the current numbers of the Weekly in an 
illustrated cover, the only edition sent to a single subscriber, 75 cents, 
per year. 

. THE LITTLE ONES. 

W. W- DOWLING, Editor. 

The Little Ones is a paper for the Primary Department in the Sunday- 
school and the Little Ones at Home, full of charming little stories, sweet 
poems, merry rhymes and jingles, beautiful pictures and simple lesson 
talks. It is printed in colors on fine paper, and no pains or expense is spar- 
ed to make it the prettiest and best of all papers for the very little people. 

TERMS. — Weekly, in clubs of not less than five copies to one address, 
25 cents a copy per year. 

Address, CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING CO., Publishers, 

St. Louis, Mo. 



BAGSTER'S BIBLES. 

FAC-SIMILE POLYGLOT EDITION. 

These Bibles contain Keferences and Maps, also seventy-five pages of Aids to 
the Study of the Bible, but without Concordance. They are re- 
markable for compactness, clear type and low price. 

IN THREE SIZES, PRINTED ON THIN, STRONG PAPER. 

Pearl, 16mo. Size, 3 7-8x6 inches. 
No. 5. French Seal, Hound Corners, Gilt Edge, Gilt Title on side and 

back $1 25 

No. 10. French Seal, Divinity Circuit, Gilt Edge 1 50 

Ruby, 16mo. Size 4 1-2x6 1-2 inches. 

No. 25. French Seal, Divinity Circuit, Gilt Edge . . .: 2 50 

No. 26. French Seal, Round Corners, Gilt Edge, Gilt Title on side and 

back 2 00 

No. 33. French Seal, Divinity Circuit, Round Corners, Red and Gold 

Edges, sheep lined 3 25 

Minion, Crown 8vo. Size, 5 1-2x8 1-2 inches. 

No. 50. French Seal, Divinity Circuit, Gilt Edge $3 50 

No. 51. French Seal, Round Corners, Gilt Edge, Gilt Title on side and 

back. 3 00 

No. 60. Levant, Divinity Circuit, Round Corners, Red and Gold Edge, calf 

lined, silk sewed 8 00 



COMPREHENSIVE TEACHERS' BIBLE. 

These Bibles contain entirely new matter in the Helps, with a new Concord- 
ance upon an improved plan. The Aids in these Bibles are more 
full and complete than any other line of Teachers' Bibles. 

PRICES. 

PEARL, 16mo. Size, 6x3 7-8 Inches. 

108 French Seal, limp, round corners, gilt edge $1 50 

158 French Seal, divinity circuit, round corners, gilt edge. — 1 75 

RUBY, 16mo. Size 6 1-2x4 1-4 Inches. 

1108 French Seal, limp, round corners, gilt edge $2 50 

1158 French Seal, divinity circuit, round corners, gilt edge 3 00 

1178 French Seal, divinity circuit, round corners, red and gold edge, 

leather lined 4 00 

NONPAREIL, 8vo. Size 7 1-2x5 Inches. 

2158 French Seal, divinity circuit, round corners, gilt edge $3 75 

2178 French Seal, divinity circuit, round corners, red and gold edge, 

leather lined . 4 50 

2208 Persian Levant, divinity circuit, round corners, gilt edge, leather 

lined, silk sewed 5 00 

MINION, CROWN, 8vo. Size, 8 1-2x5 1-2 Inches. 

3108 French Seal, limp, round corners, gilt edge $3 25 

3158 French Seal, divinity circuit, round corners, gilt edge 4 00 

3178 French Seal, divinity circuit, round corners, red and gold edge, 

leather lined 5 00 

3208 Persian Levant, divinity circuit, round corners, gilt edge, leather 

lined, silk sewed 6 00 

3308 Levant, divinity circuit, round corners, gilt edge, leather lined, silk 

sewed 7 50 

4®= The Patent Marginal Index, supplied on all Bagster's Bibles at an addi- 
tional cost of $1.00 per book. 

Address, CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING CO., St. Louis, Mo. 



CONCERT SERVICES. 



The following Services have been prepared by W. W. Dowling for the 
various occasions mentioned. Others are in preparation, and •will be issued 
from time to time, so that every want of schools will be fully met: 

THE VOICES OF THE FLOWERS. 

A Floral Service, containing lessons from the buds, leaves, grasses, flowers 
and fruits, interspersed with Scripture Texts and Appropriate Songs. 3 cents 
per copy; 20 cents per dozen. 

THE OPEN GATES. 

An Easter Service, but suitable for any season or occasion. It consists of 
Scripture Readings, Recitations and Songs. Eight pages. 25 cents per dozen 
copies. 

THE RISEN LORD. 

An Easter Service, comprising a connected account of the Betrayal, Cruci- 
fixion Resurrection and Ascension of Christ; the Descent of the Spirit, 
Spread of the Gospel, the Second Coming, General Resurrection and Life in 
the New Jerusalem. 5 cents per copy ; 25 cents per dozen. 

THE GOSPEL MESSAGE. 

A Concert Service for Children's Missionary Day. It consists of Poetical 
Recitations,Songs,Seripture Responses and Addresses; arranged for a special 
class of pupils, for the school, officers and teachers, the minister and the 
whole congregation. Eight pages ; 25 cents per dozen copies. 

THE HARVEST HOME. 

« 

A Thanksgiving Service, suitable for tbat joyful season when the barns 
and granaries are full, and the earth smiling with peace and plenty. 5 cents 
per copy; 25 cents per dozen. 

THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 

A Concert Service, suitable for any season, consisting of Poetical Recita- 
tions, Scripture Readings and Songs, arranged for a large number of per- 
formers. 5 cents per copy ; 25 cents per dozen. 

THE STORY OF JESUS. 

A Christmas Service, in Poetry, Scripture and Song; beginning witn 'jae 
expulsion from Eden, and noting the prophecies of Christ's coming, his ad« 
vent, scenes in his life, betrayal, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and 
closing with his coronation as King of kings and Lord of lords. 5 cents pei 
eopy; 25 cents per dozen. 

Address CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING CO., Publishers, 
St. Louis, Mo. 



I 



